Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, expressed his belief that “violent criminals” who are undocumented immigrants in the U.S. should be deported, emphasizing the need to address serious criminal offenses committed by noncitizens.
While reacting to remarks made by incoming border czar Tom Homan in Chicago – who proposed mass deportations and called on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to cooperate or face prosecution for harboring illegal aliens – Pritzker affirmed his commitment to uphold state immigration laws.
What he’s saying: Pritzker underscored his intention to follow existing laws that protect undocumented immigrants, expressing concerns about potential law enforcement actions under the Trump administration that may not adhere to legal protocols.
- “We have laws that protect undocumented immigrants, and I’m going to make sure to follow the law,” Pritzker said at a press conference. “I’m concerned that the Trump administration and his lackeys aren’t going to follow the law, but I will.”
What we’re watching: Despite his stance against deportation raids during the Trump administration, Pritzker indicated a willingness to meet with Homan and the incoming administration to discuss strategies for dealing with noncitizens convicted of violent crimes.
Go deeper: Gov. Pritzker’s alignment with Homan on the deportation of undocumented individuals convicted of violent offenses contrasts with prior statements opposing deportation raids and emphasizing the protection of people’s rights during law enforcement actions in collaboration with local authorities.
- The governor, along with Colorado Gov. Jared Polis, had previously articulated the need to safeguard individual rights during any coordinated deportation efforts and rejected the idea of deploying National Guard troops from red states to carry out such enforcement actions.
