Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has ignited a nationwide debate after suggesting that state prosecutors could investigate and potentially prosecute U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for alleged misconduct in Chicago. Speaking with FOX 32 Chicago, JB Pritzker said that the state is exploring legal options against ICE officials and other federal immigration officers, claiming their behavior during recent operations may have violated state and federal laws.
JB Pritzker Challenges Federal Immigration Actions in Illinois
JB Pritzker stated, “The tables will turn one day. 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.”
His remarks come at a time of rising tension between Illinois authorities and federal immigration agencies working under the Trump administration’s strict enforcement policies. Chicago, a self-declared “sanctuary city,” has long been at the center of disputes over how immigration laws should be carried out and who holds the authority to oversee such actions.
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The comments made by JB Pritzker mark one of the most direct state-level confrontations against federal immigration enforcement in recent years. He hinted that the Illinois Attorney General and several local state’s attorneys may already be looking into possible misconduct cases involving ICE agents operating within the state.
DHS Calls Remarks “Disgusting” as Debate Intensifies
Federal officials quickly and sharply criticized JB Pritzker’s remarks, with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) calling them “disgusting” and accusing the Illinois governor of endangering law enforcement.
In response, DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told Newsweek that JB Pritzker was “smearing law enforcement” and further warned that his comments could incite violence against ICE officers. She said, “His conduct is directly contributing to domestic terrorists attacking our brave law enforcement.”
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Meanwhile, federal agencies defended ICE operations, saying agents are enforcing existing laws and targeting offenders. However, critics and immigrant-rights groups argue that these raids often sweep up non-criminal immigrants and ultimately spread fear in communities.
Overall, the clash highlights the widening divide between states like Illinois—focused on protecting immigrants—and the federal government’s push for tougher enforcement. Nevertheless, JB Pritzker’s administration insists it is committed to holding all officials accountable under the law.
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The controversy around JB Pritzker’s remarks has grown as the Trump administration’s “Operation Midway Blitz” intensifies across U.S. cities, including Chicago. The operation targets undocumented immigrants and alleged offenders, increasing ICE activity in several neighborhoods.
Local groups and residents have reported tense encounters with ICE officers, with critics accusing agents of using excessive force. Advocates say these actions have spread fear among immigrant families, discouraging them from going to work, school, or hospitals.
JB Pritzker said Illinois will not tolerate unlawful conduct by federal authorities, adding, “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.”
Illinois already restricts cooperation with ICE through the TRUST Act, which limits how local police assist in detaining people based solely on immigration status.
Recently, a federal appeals court blocked the Trump administration’s attempt to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois, ruling there was no evidence of rebellion to justify it.
Supporters view JB Pritzker’s stance as protecting state rights, while critics accuse him of politicizing law enforcement. Across Chicago, protests and immigration raids continue to draw attention.
JB Pritzker has accused the Trump administration of using federal agencies for political purposes, saying, “The President of the United States is causing mayhem in our state.” His strong words have placed JB Pritzker at the center of a national debate over immigration enforcement and federal power.