East Central Reporter

HelloFresh, a leading meal-kit provider in the United States, is under scrutiny following allegations from the U.S. Department of Labor. The department accuses the company of employing migrant children at its factory in Aurora, Illinois. According to ABC7, at least six teenagers from Guatemala were discovered working night shifts at this facility. In response to these allegations, HelloFresh has severed its relationship with Midway Staffing, an agency responsible for hiring migrants and currently under investigation by federal labor authorities.

State Representative Chris Miller expressed strong opinions on the matter. “The problem is that these people are illegals. They’ve been brought here by the Democrat administrations, both federally and in the state of Illinois,” said Miller. He further criticized what he perceives as political maneuvering: “They’ve created this huge mess now, and now they’re going to pretend like they care, and they’re going to go try to clean it up. It’s all smoke and mirrors and political theater.”

Miller also addressed concerns regarding Illinois' status as a sanctuary state due to the Illinois TRUST Act enacted in 2017. This legislation prevents local law enforcement from engaging in immigration enforcement activities. Miller argues that maintaining this status places a financial burden on taxpayers with estimated costs reaching $2.84 billion from fiscal year 2023 through fiscal year 2025 for services provided to undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers.

In his statement, Miller urges constituents to sign a petition aimed at repealing the TRUST Act as part of efforts to change Illinois’ sanctuary state designation.