Pritzker Signs Executive Order On Deployment Of Troops In IL

Gov. JB Pritzker signed an executive order Thursday establishing a new commission "intended to pursue accountability" of federal troops being deployed in the state. Pritzker said elected officials "have a duty to ensure that the truth is ensured" and that the Trump administration continues to "dodge accountability."

"It's been over a month since President Trump launched what he calls 'Operation Midway Blitz.' It's a military assault on Chicago and our suburbs," Pritzker said during a press conference in Chicago's Loop regarding the creation of the commission. "In the short time, we have witnessed countless acts of harassment, and intimidation, and brutality, and abuse of power perpetrated on law-abiding citizens across our communities."

According to the order, the Illinois Accountability Commission will be an independent board tasked with capturing and creating a public record of the conduct of federal law enforcement agents and recommending actions to hold the federal government accountable "as they continue conducting military-style operations in Chicago, collar counties, and other areas throughout the state."

"Once this all ends, I believe there will be people of good faith who will review what the Commission has recorded and will demand answers and accountability," Pritzker said.

The IAC will include up to nine members appointed by Pritzker, including a chair and vice chair. The board will issue a report with findings and recommendations to the governor and will be made available to the public.

Pritzker referenced an incident in Chicago's Little Village on Wednesday, in which Alderman Michael Rodriguez said federal immigration agents detained U.S. citizens and two of his staff members.

U.S. District Court Judge April Perry ruled Wednesday that she will extend her previous order to block the deployment of troops in Chicago. CNN is reporting the extension will "likely remain in place" until a full trial or a ruling by the Supreme Court, which could possibly happen within days. The Trump administration had previously asked the Supreme Court to weigh in and allow the troops into the city.

Pritzker said federal immigration have repeatedly demanded citizens show proof of citizenship without probable cause, "with only the victim's skin color as the reason for the confrontation."

"None of this is about crime or safety. If it were, there would be coordination with local law enforcement and judicial warrants," Pritzker said. "In any other country, sending masked federal agents to intimidate its own law-abiding residents would be seen as a dangerous overreach and abuse of power."

Pritzker's office said Illinois residents who have witnessed or experienced concerning conduct by federal agents are encouraged to visit the IAC website at ilac.Illinois.gov.

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