JB Pritzker threatens to prosecute ICE agents for misconduct

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker suggested on Sunday that state prosecutors may look into the actions of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, drawing a sharp rebuke from the Department of Homeland Security.

In an interview with FOX 32 Chicago, Pritzker said he’s been in talks with the state’s attorney general and local prosecutors about how to respond to supposed misconduct. “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."

Pritzker said that accountability could come later if not now: “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.”

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin hit back and condemned the governor’s remarks, calling them “disgusting.” In a statement to Newsweek, she said, “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.”

She added that Pritzker’s rhetoric was “directly contributing to domestic terrorists attacking our brave law enforcement” and warned that “he is going to get someone killed with this trash.”

The comments come as Illinois remains in the Trump administration’s focus during Operation Midway Blitz, a massive ICE enforcement push targeting illegal immigration in large cities. Chicago, in particular, has seen increased tensions between federal agents and illegals and officials and civilians protecting illegals.

Federal agencies have denied claims of racial profiling but continue to face scrutiny over aggressive raids and enforcement tactics. Critics say those operations have inflamed fears among immigrants and strained community relations.

Pritzker, considered by some as a 2028 Democratic presidential contender, said in the FOX 32 interview that the president was escalating political tension nationwide. “This is a dangerous time,” Pritzker said. “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.”