Kankakee Times

U.S. Representative Robin Kelly shared updates this week on social media regarding her participation in manufacturing discussions and expressed concern over recent immigration enforcement actions. Kelly, who has represented Illinois’s 2nd congressional district since 2013 and has consistently won re-election by wide margins, addressed both economic and civil rights issues in her recent posts.

On September 20, 2025, Kelly described her involvement with state industry leaders: "This week, I joined 30+ manufacturing leaders at the @IMA_Today's 7th Annual D.C. Fly-In. We discussed the future of Illinois manufacturing—from food and candy to vehicles and metal fabrication. Together, we’re strengthening our state’s economy."

The following day, she alerted constituents about increased immigration enforcement activity: "I am hearing reports of ICE activity increasing in the area. Stay safe, and informed, and remember that regardless of your documentation status, you have rights. Know your rights. Follow trusted news sources. Record any ICE encounters."

Later on September 21, Kelly criticized a specific enforcement initiative: '"Operation Midway Blitz" isn't about safety—it's about terrorizing our families and communities. Mass raids in our neighborhoods, at places of work, and churches are a direct assault on civil rights and due process. This is cruel and it has to stop.'

Robin Kelly has been repeatedly re-elected to Congress with significant majorities since first winning office in a special election in 2013. In the most recent general election of 2022, she defeated Thomas Lynch with more than two-thirds of the vote (67.1%). Previous victories include wins over Theresa Raborn in 2020 (78.8%), David Merkle in 2018 (81.1%), John Morrow in 2016 (79.8%), and Eric Wallace in 2014 (78.5%).