Kankakee Times

U.S. Representative Robin Kelly, a Democrat from Illinois, has recently used her social media platform to address issues concerning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices and congressional priorities. In a series of posts published between November 17 and November 18, 2025, Kelly called for changes in ICE's treatment of detained pregnant immigrants and criticized Republican lawmakers for their recent recess.

On November 17, Kelly wrote: "ICE is detaining pregnant immigrants in abhorrent conditions, denying them critical prenatal care. I’m demanding that ICE follow its own policies and release pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women. I’m holding ICE accountable for their cruel actions with the @DemWomenCaucus."

Continuing her criticism of ICE, she posted on November 18: "ICE may have reduced its presence in Illinois, but the harm done to our Black and Brown communities remains. People deserve answers. When will ICE comply with the judge’s ruling and release those who should already be home with their families?"

In another post on November 18 addressing broader legislative concerns, Kelly stated: "Republicans took six weeks off, fully paid by taxpayers, while Americans struggled. Now that Republicans are back in DC, it's time to get to work. Lower everyday costs, save affordable healthcare, and release the Epstein files."

Robin Kelly has represented Illinois in Congress since winning a special election in 2013. She has consistently secured re-election by wide margins against various Republican challengers—defeating Thomas Lynch in 2022 with over two-thirds of the vote; Theresa Raborn in 2020; David Merkle in 2018; John Morrow in 2016; and Eric Wallace in 2014.

Her recent statements come amid ongoing scrutiny of immigration enforcement practices nationwide as well as debates over congressional productivity during periods of recess.