As the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump promises sweeping changes in immigration enforcement tactics, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responded to comments made by Trump's appointed “border czar.”
Tom Homan, who served as acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the first Trump administration, spoke in Chicago this week and promised that the city would be “ground zero for the largest deportation this country has ever seen.”
Pritzker was asked about Homan's statements, which were directed at his administration and that of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and while he said “convicted violent criminals” should not be allowed to remain in the state, he expressed doubt that Homan could act the same way. Lots of power as promised during the event.
“I'm open to dialogue with him… (He) doesn't have the authority to do the things he talked about,” Pritzker said. “Being a border czar is not an official position in government.”
Pritzker also said he was “committed to protecting” immigrants and asylum seekers who came to Chicago, whether alone or via buses arranged by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's administration, and promised to continue doing so.
Immigration lawyers and activists are expressing concerns after Homan's speech, which he delivered at a Republican event on Chicago's Northwest Side. Pritzker and Johnson will need to cooperate with the administration or risk consequences, Homan said.
“If they obstruct us, if they hide an illegal alien, I will prosecute them,” Homan said.
Fred Tsao, senior policy advisor at the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, emphasized the need for undocumented families to make sure they know their legal rights when the Trump administration takes up residence in the Oval Office, coordinating on U.S. emergency plans. Status of immigration enforcement proceedings.
“Who will take care of the kids, who will watch the property, who will pay the bills,” he said. “Know how we deal with medical problems that may arise?” “All of these things require thought and planning.”
Lawyers are also asking those living legally in the United States to help others get the information they need in the coming weeks and months.
“Direct people to nonprofits that are already helping communities, and to trusted immigration attorneys who can provide them with information and guidance,” said attorney Marlene Romero Garcia.
Under Chicago's sanctuary city policy, authorities are not permitted to ask individuals about their immigration status or disclose information to authorities. Individuals also cannot be denied city services based on immigration status.
Chicago Police are also not permitted to work with ICE to deport undocumented individuals under this policy.
Pritzker has signed a series of bills aimed at achieving similar goals, including the Keeping Illinois Families Together Act, which bars police departments from entering into agreements with Immigration and Customs Enforcement to carry out deportations. He also signed bills to prevent state agencies from entering into contracts to build or operate private detention centers for immigration enforcement, among other legislation.
