Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker faced renewed scrutiny Thursday over his state’s sanctuary policies after two illegal immigrants charged with felony murder were revealed to have previously been released from custody despite an ICE detainer. Speaking during an interview on Fox News Channel’s Special Report with Bret Baier, Pritzker defended his administration’s policies while acknowledging that a judge “maybe” made the wrong call in the case.
The suspects — nationals of Ecuador and Venezuela — had both crossed the border illegally and were released into the United States by the Biden administration in 2023, according to local police. One suspect had previously been arrested in Chicago on January 12 for allegedly trying to lure children, but was released after the city ignored an ICE detainer request, in keeping with Illinois’ sanctuary policy.
Pritzker: “Maybe” the Judge Made a Bad Decision
Pressed by Baier on whether illegal immigrants charged with or convicted of felonies should be deported, Pritzker said he supported deporting violent criminals but accused the federal government of inconsistent enforcement.
“I think they ought to take the violent criminals and get them out of my state and get them out of the country,” Pritzker said. “I absolutely believe that. But that’s not what they’re doing — they said they were going after the worst of the worst.”
When Baier pointed out that Illinois’ sanctuary laws prevent local law enforcement from assisting ICE in such deportations, Pritzker pushed back.
“No, we do [help ICE],” Pritzker said. “If you bring us a judicial warrant, we will bring you all kinds of help on the ground to go get the bad guys. What we don’t want is for people to get racially profiled. That’s what’s happening right now.”
Baier then detailed the murder case, noting that one of the accused had been released into the community despite ICE’s request for custody.
“Now, did a judge make a bad decision? Maybe so,” Pritzker said. “But to pick out the situation of one immigrant — I bet you could find U.S. citizens all across the country who committed a crime, who also get out, and then they do something bad.”
Critics Slam Pritzker’s Response
Pritzker’s comments drew swift backlash from critics who accused him of minimizing the dangers of sanctuary policies. Conservative commentators and Republican officials pointed to the case as another example of local jurisdictions placing ideology over public safety.
The incident has reignited debate over sanctuary laws, which bar state and local police from cooperating with federal immigration authorities unless a judicial warrant is issued. ICE officials have repeatedly said that such policies make it harder to detain dangerous individuals before they reoffend.
Pritzker Defends Policy, Blames Federal System
Despite the criticism, Pritzker maintained that his policies are designed to protect immigrant communities from racial profiling and unconstitutional detentions. He insisted that Illinois’ justice system treats all defendants equally and that “violent offenders are held” when deemed a threat.
The governor also voiced support for targeting violent gangs and organized crime, including the Venezuelan criminal organization Tren de Aragua, which has gained a foothold in several American cities amid the ongoing border crisis.
Background: Illinois’ Sanctuary Policies Under Fire
Illinois became one of the nation’s most prominent sanctuary states under Pritzker’s leadership, with laws restricting cooperation between state and local police and federal immigration authorities. The governor has argued that such policies build trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement, while critics contend they endanger public safety.
The Chicago Police Department has faced similar controversies, with ICE officials reporting dozens of cases in which detainer requests were ignored, allowing criminal aliens to reoffend.
Conclusion
Governor Pritzker’s latest remarks highlight the deepening national divide over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies. While he insists Illinois will cooperate with ICE “when due process is followed,” critics say he has allowed violent offenders to slip through the cracks — sometimes with deadly consequences.
With Chicago’s crime crisis already under a microscope, the case of the two illegal immigrants accused of murder is likely to escalate both state and national debates over the balance between immigrant enforcement and public safety.
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It makes it look like voting for ANY Dem/Socialist/Communist is a “bad decision”.
To quote one of his mentors, “This guy is a lying two faced pony soldier”.