Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has intensified his criticism of federal immigration enforcement, signaling that state and local prosecutors may explore potential investigations into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents for alleged misconduct during the Trump administration.
Pritzker’s remarks drew sharp backlash from Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials, who accused him of endangering federal personnel and undermining immigration enforcement efforts.
The governor claimed Illinois officials are reviewing possible legal actions related to past ICE operations in immigrant neighborhoods, which he said involved questionable tactics.
“These people should recognize that maybe they’re not gonna get prosecuted today, although we’re looking at doing that,” Pritzker said. “But they may get prosecuted after the Trump administration for the things that they did because the statute of limitations won’t have run.”
Civil rights advocates have long argued that some ICE raids disproportionately targeted minority communities and eroded trust between residents and law enforcement. Pritzker suggested that such actions could face renewed scrutiny in the future, saying, “The tables will turn someday.”
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The governor further criticized what he described as excessive and opaque tactics by federal agents. “They’re taking away people’s rights by not identifying themselves. They’re coming in with masks on and using unmarked vehicles,” he said. “They’re acting like a bunch of thugs and taking away people’s free speech rights.”
Pritzker added that his administration is evaluating whether ICE officials can still be held accountable despite federal immunity protections. “These are all things that need to be taken up again by an inspector general or someone investigating at the federal level,” he said. “They have immunity at the state level, but we’re looking at how we might be able to hold them responsible despite that.”
DHS Condemns Remarks as “Dangerous and Irresponsible”
Top DHS officials swiftly condemned Pritzker’s comments, describing them as reckless and inflammatory. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin accused the governor of demonizing law enforcement officers who risk their lives to uphold the law.
“Gov. Pritzker threatening to prosecute law enforcement for arresting murderers, pedophiles, rapists, drug traffickers, and gang members is disgusting,” McLaughlin said. “He’s smeared our officers by calling them thugs, but to millions of Americans — including those victimized by criminal illegal aliens — they are heroes.”
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McLaughlin warned that such rhetoric could provoke violence against federal officers. “His conduct is directly contributing to domestic terrorists attacking our brave law enforcement,” she said. “He’s going to get someone killed with this trash.”
Federal Response and Broader Tensions
The dispute comes as tensions escalate between Illinois officials and the Trump administration over immigration policy, law enforcement powers, and state resistance to federal directives. Courts have temporarily blocked federal efforts to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois, but the administration has indicated it may invoke the Insurrection Act to challenge those rulings amid ongoing protests.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended federal immigration officers, insisting they have operated lawfully and face increasing threats from organized criminal networks.
“These criminal networks are not just resisting the rule of law; they are waging an organized campaign of terror against the brave men and women who protect our borders and communities,” Noem said. “Our agents are facing ambushes, drone surveillance, and death threats, all because they dare to enforce the laws passed by Congress. We will not back down.”
Background
Illinois has been one of several states pushing back against Trump-era immigration enforcement tactics. Pritzker’s administration has adopted “sanctuary-style” policies limiting cooperation between state agencies and federal immigration authorities, arguing that such measures protect civil rights and maintain trust in local policing.
Still, the governor’s latest remarks — hinting at possible criminal prosecutions of ICE agents — mark a significant escalation in the political standoff between state and federal officials.
Grace Hall covers U.S. politics and national affairs for content partner Modern Newsstand LLC.
