The Democratic governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, has expressed agreement with a key aspect of border czar appointee Tom Homan's proposed mass deportation strategy under the incoming Trump administration. Pritzker's stance comes in response to Homan's recent comments at a Northwest Side GOP gathering where he threatened to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, a move that could impact tens of thousands in Chicago and Illinois.
During an unrelated news conference, Pritzker stated, 'Violent criminals who are undocumented and convicted of violent crime should be deported. I do not want them in my state, I don't think they should be in the United States.'
Homan emphasized that no one would be exempt from potential deportations, with a focus on public safety threats. He specifically called out Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson in his remarks, warning of potential legal action against officials who impede deportation efforts.
Pritzker has expressed willingness to engage in discussions with Homan or the incoming Trump administration, although no formal outreach has been made yet. Illinois Republicans are urging Pritzker to collaborate with Homan and are advocating for the repeal of sanctuary laws that restrict law enforcement's cooperation with ICE.
Recent figures reveal that approximately 1.4 million noncitizens have deportation orders but are not currently detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The evolving dynamics between state and federal authorities on immigration enforcement continue to spark debate and calls for action in Illinois.
