Illinois Governor Navigates Deportation Tensions with Incoming Border Czar
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker is charting a complex path on immigration, expressing support for deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes while pushing back against the hardline tactics of incoming border czar Tom Homan.
Pritzker’s comments came in response to Homan’s incendiary remarks made in Chicago Tuesday. Speaking in the sanctuary city, Homan called on Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who has openly opposed his plans, to “step aside.” Homan warned Johnson that if he “impedes” federal immigration enforcement, he would face prosecution.
“If your Chicago mayor doesn’t want to help, he can step aside,” Homan declared.
While Pritzker, a Democrat, affirmed his commitment to Illinois’s immigration laws, he questioned Homan’s ability to deliver on his controversial promises.
“We have laws that protect undocumented immigrants, and I’m going to make sure to follow the law,” Pritzker stated. “I’m concerned that the Trump administration and his lackeys aren’t going to follow the law, but I will.”
Despite diverging on tactics, Pritzker acknowledged common ground with Homan regarding the danger posed by noncitizens convicted of violent crimes.
“Violent criminals who are undocumented and convicted of violent crime should be deported,” he emphasized. “I do not want them in my state. I do not think they should be in the United States.”
Pritzker signaled his openness to dialogue with Homan and the incoming Trump administration to discuss the proposed immigration plans, a stance contrasting with his earlier vow to oppose any deportation raids enforced by the Trump administration.
Last month, Pritzker and Colorado Gov. Jared Polis announced the creation of “Governors Safeguarding Democracy,” an alliance of blue state leaders. Speaking on MSNBC, the governors expressed their opposition to raids coordinated with local law enforcement, deeming such actions inappropriate.
“We also just want to make sure there isn’t a violation of people’s rights with … raids … that are done in coordination [with] local law enforcement,” Pritzker elaborated. “We think that’s improper and in Illinois, that’s not something that we would condone.”
Pritzker explicitly rejected the concept of deploying red state National Guard troops to conduct such raids.
Meanwhile, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Homan are scheduled to meet Thursday, according to reports. Adams has dared his supporters to “cancel” him for agreeing to the meeting.
