South Cook News

Ashley Ramos, a 2nd Congressional District candidate, voiced apprehension about the sizable migrant caravan approaching the US-Mexico border, cautioning that it could potentially exceed 15,000 people and become the largest on record. She criticized the leaders of the caravan, particularly those advocating for migrant rights.

“Happening Now: A caravan is headed to the US Border and could be the largest ever at over 15,000 people. The migrant rights leader heading the group has said they won’t stop until they reach the United Stated,” Ramos said on Facebook.

“These so called migrant rights leaders should be prosecuted for manipulating and deceiving these people.”

The current massive migrant caravan en route to the US-Mexico border is the largest in over a year, with over 730,000 asylum seekers encountered at the southern border since October, according to the New York Post. Comprising primarily individuals from Cuba, Haiti and Honduras, the caravan, estimated at 8,000 people, embarked on a journey covering over nine miles from the Mexican southern border city Tapachula to Alvaro Obregón. For Christmas Eve, the asylum seekers received sandwiches, water, and bananas from a local church, spending Christmas night under makeshift shelters of cardboard or plastic. The caravan may potentially balloon to 15,000 people by the time it reaches the US-Mexico border, raising concerns about the growing scale of illegal immigration into the U.S., according to a report in the New York Post. 

Ramos resides in Bradley and was raised in Chicago Heights. After completing her education at Bradley Bourbonnais Community High School in 2005, she pursued radiology courses at Kankakee Community College. As an e-commerce specialist, a licensed notary, and a certified CPR professional, Ramos brings a diverse skill set to her candidacy. She is also a devoted mother, according to her campaign website.

The 2nd Congressional District encompasses the south suburbs of Chicago, eastern Will County, most of Kankakee County and Chicago’s far southeast side. The district is currently represented by U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly (D-Ill.), who has held the position since 2013. Kelly also serves as the Chair of the Illinois Democratic Party, according to Ballotpedia.