Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker has accused U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) of dishonesty, suggesting the agency is committing crimes. During an interview with the ‘Raging Moderates’ podcast, he called into question ICE’s statements regarding a recent incident in Chicago where an armed woman was shot during a protest. Pritzker claims the agency framed the incident and called for legal action against ICE agents. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has disputed Pritzker’s claims and released its official account of the event.
The incident under scrutiny occurred during a protest in Chicago, where Marimar Martinez, a U.S. citizen, was reportedly accused of ramming into a law enforcement vehicle, blocking officers from moving. According to DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, Martinez was identified as the aggressor in the incident. However, Pritzker disputes this version, arguing that bodycam footage shows Martinez was rammed by an ICE agent in their vehicle and that the agent began yelling at her, using derogatory language. Pritzker claims that this altercation led to the shooting, which both sides have provided conflicting accounts of. Pritzker has urged prosecutors in Illinois to investigate these actions, suggesting that they may constitute a felony.
In his podcast interview, Pritzker expressed deep skepticism about ICE’s credibility, stating that the agency’s narrative is not to be trusted. This skepticism extends beyond the incident, as Pritzker has consistently criticized ICE’s presence in Illinois and its methods. He has also raised concerns about the broader implications of federal law enforcement actions, particularly in the context of the 2026 midterm elections. Pritzker suggested that the militarization of cities, including the presence of ICE agents, could be a pretext for intimidating voters or manipulating election processes. Such remarks have drawn criticism from the White House, which has mocked Pritzker for his opposition to President Trump’s National Guard deployment plan.
Pritzker’s criticisms of ICE are part of a larger pattern of resistance to federal policies in Illinois. He has also opposed the deployment of National Guard troops to the state, which he views as an attempt by President Trump to exert political pressure. Pritzker’s actions reflect a broader ideological stance, aligning with liberal policies that emphasize state autonomy and civil rights. While the DHS maintains that Martinez’s actions contributed to the incident, Pritzker’s insistence on legal accountability highlights the tensions between state and federal authorities in addressing immigration and law enforcement issues. This conflict underscores the complex interplay of political, legal, and public safety concerns in contemporary U.S. policy debates.