Statements from Governor Pritzker's office or credible news reports

Trump's Deportation Plan Targets Chicago, Involves Military and State Support

Dec 12, 2024, 12:31 PM

President-elect Donald Trump has pledged to carry out the largest deportations in U.S. history, with plans to utilize state and federal resources, including potentially the military, to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. This initiative has sparked significant concern and debate across various sectors of society. Trump's incoming Border Czar, Tom Homan, has been vocal about his intentions, particularly targeting Chicago as the epicenter for these deportations. Homan has warned that he will prosecute local officials, like Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, if they interfere with the deportations. Despite these threats, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has expressed willingness to meet with Trump officials, emphasizing that violent criminals who are undocumented should be deported, but he questions the legal authority of Homan's position. Furthermore, 25 Republican governors, including Nevada's Joe Lombardo, have pledged support for Trump's deportation plan, indicating readiness to use state law enforcement or the National Guard to assist. However, there are concerns about the feasibility and legality of such actions, with some critics arguing that using the military for civilian law enforcement could be seen as un-American. Additionally, far-right militias have offered their services to assist with the deportations, though the incoming administration has stated it would not rely on outside groups.