Republicans accuse Pritzker of escalating rhetoric against ICE agents

During a combative press conference, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker announced that the administration plans to add 100 military personnel to the state’s immigration contingent. He also criticized the weekend operations in Chicago, shouting at federal authorities, "Get out of Chicago."

After criticizing federal immigration policy, the Democrat urged Illinois residents to document U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations: "People of Illinois, we need your help. Get your cell phones out… record and narrate what you see. Put it on social media. Peacefully ask for badge numbers and identification."

He later shared the same message on social media:

Pritzker’s remarks come after a weekend of patrols and arrests in Chicago, which included clashes with groups of protesters. The governor targeted Border Patrol commander Gregory Bovino, calling him "ICE’s chief offender" and accusing him of "leading the disruption and causing mayhem."

Bovino even admitted on the record that arrests are being made based on "how you look." The Democrat added, "ICE is running around the Loop harassing people for not being white."

The Republican response: more inflammatory rhetoric against the agents

Bovino personally addressed some of the governor’s criticisms during the weekend operations.

"Is removing a cartel terrorist from the streets of Chicago making the community safer? We think so. You're welcome, Chicago," he responded to the governor’s claim that the operations made the city less safe. "This is what happens when you get out and walk for a change," he added.

Bovino further stated in response to a comment that "95% of the people we encountered said they were glad we were there." He added, "A couple from Europe asked if the family could take a pic with us, including a 7-year-old on his birthday."

He also said that two protesters were carrying "loaded handguns": "Instead of making their point, they now have to make bail." Through its official channels, ICE identified the armed protesters as Jocelyne Robledo and Ray Collins:

GOP officials described Pritzker’s remarks as yet another example of Democratic rhetoric against agents—rhetoric that they say puts those in uniform at risk.

"Illinois Democrats are the party of violence," the Illinois Republican Party asserted, sharing a video of protesters shouting "shoot ICE" outside a Chicago processing center. "As attacks against ICE agents are up over 800%, Democrats are celebrating it... These vile attacks must immediately be condemned and silence is compliance."

"Days after protesters were shouting 'shoot ICE' outside of an ICE detention center in Illinois, JB Pritzker says the aggression is coming from ICE, 'not from the protesters,'"⁩ noted the Republican National Committee. They also maintained that more than 550 illegal immigrants had been detained, contrary to the governor's statements that "none of what Trump is doing is making Illinois safer."