NEWSWEEK: JB Pritzker Looking at Prosecuting ICE Agents in Chicago
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker on Sunday suggested that state prosecutors might examine the conduct of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
“The tables will turn one day,” Prtizker told FOX 32 Chicago.”These people should recognize that maybe they’re not gonna get prosecuted today, although we’re looking at doing that, but they may get prosecuted after the Trump administration because the statute of limitations would not have run out.”
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek via email that Pritzker’s remarks are “disgusting.” She said the governor has “smeared our law enforcement calling them thugs, but to millions of Americans—including those victimized by criminal illegal aliens—they are heroes.”
Why It Matters
Pritzker, who is widely seen as a potential candidate for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination, has taken an increasingly assertive stance toward the Trump administration and its immigration enforcement agencies.
His remarks about potentially prosecuting federal immigration officers reflect an effort to position himself as a defender of state and local authority against what he characterizes as federal overreach.
What To Know
Pritzker suggested that the Illinois Attorney General and local state’s attorneys may be examining allegations of misconduct and wrongdoing within DHS.
“We’re talking to the state’s attorneys and Attorney General to see how they can go at this because what we want to make sure is that they follow the law,” he said.
Pritzker’s remarks come amid public scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement and reports of confrontations between ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents and residents. The agencies are under the spotlight over their operational tactics, alleged civil rights violations, and the impact of their actions on community trust and public safety.
Federal agencies have faced accusations of racial profiling, with critics saying that aggressive tactics and raids have disproportionately targeted immigrant and minority communities, heightening tensions and fears across affected neighborhoods.
Chicago has emerged as a flashpoint in the national debate over immigration enforcement amid the Trump administration’s Operation Midway Blitz, which has intensified ICE activity across the city, particularly in immigrant neighborhoods.
Federal officials maintain they are necessary to uphold immigration laws and detain offenders.
A federal appeals court has meanwhile blocked the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops in Illinois, upholding a lower court’s ruling that found no evidence of rebellion to justify such action. The administration has suggested it may invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 if the courts continue to restrict the deployment.
What People Are Saying
“So this is a dangerous time,” Pritzker told FOX 32 Chicago. “The President of the United States is causing mayhem in the grounds of our state. He is going after his political opponents. I don’t know why anybody would look at the situation and not recognize he’s moving toward an authoritarian regime in his own image.”
“Governor Pritzker threatening to prosecute law enforcement for enforcing the law and arresting murderers, pedophiles, rapists, drug traffickers, and gang members is disgusting. He’s smeared our law enforcement calling them thugs, but to millions of Americans—including those victimized by criminal illegal aliens—they are heroes,” DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek. She added: “His conduct is directly contributing to domestic terrorists attacking our brave law enforcement. He is going to get someone killed with this trash.”
What Happens Next
Immigration enforcement operations and protests are expected to continue in Chicago as court proceedings move forward.
