Illinois governor says ‘violent’ illegal immigrants should be deported, open to meeting with Trump officials
The Democratic governor of Illinois, J.B. Pritzker, has expressed agreement with one aspect of the mass deportation campaign proposed by border czar appointee Tom Homan under the incoming Trump administration. Pritzker’s statement came in response to Homan’s threat to deport millions of undocumented immigrants, a move that would have significant implications for tens of thousands of undocumented individuals in Chicago and Illinois.
During a Northwest Side GOP gathering on Monday evening, Homan made it clear that no one would be exempt from potential deportation, although priority would be given to individuals deemed a threat to public safety. Specifically targeting violent criminals who are undocumented and have been convicted of violent crimes, Pritzker emphasized his support for their deportation, stating, “I do not want them in my state, I don’t think they should be in the United States.”
Homan also directly mentioned Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson in his remarks, indicating that if they impeded deportation efforts or harbored illegal aliens, legal action would be pursued against them. Despite this strong stance, Pritzker has expressed willingness to engage in discussions with Homan or the incoming Trump administration, but as of now, no communication has been initiated from their end.
Illinois Republicans have urged Pritzker to collaborate with Homan and have called for the repeal of sanctuary laws that restrict law enforcement’s cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Recent data obtained by Fox News reveals that there are approximately 1.4 million noncitizens with deportation orders who are not currently in ICE detention, underscoring the magnitude of the issue at hand.
The top countries of nationals on the deportation list include Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, with significant numbers also hailing from countries such as China, Haiti, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Venezuela. This data highlights the diverse origins of individuals facing deportation orders in the United States.
In conclusion, the debate surrounding immigration enforcement and deportation policies continues to be a contentious issue in Illinois and across the nation. Governor Pritzker’s support for deporting violent criminals underscores the complexity of balancing public safety concerns with humanitarian considerations in the realm of immigration enforcement. As discussions and actions unfold in this arena, it remains crucial to navigate these challenges with a commitment to upholding the rule of law while also demonstrating compassion and fairness towards all individuals involved.
