Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has drawn sharp criticism for his latest remarks on U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), accusing agents of racial profiling and drawing a provocative comparison to Nazi Germany. On ‘Special Report,’ Pritzker dismissed President Donald Trump’s claim that ICE is targeting the ‘worst of the worst’ in immigration enforcement, instead asserting that the agency is disproportionately focusing on Black and brown individuals.
“They’re literally going after Black and brown people because of the color of their skin,” Pritzker said, a claim that has sparked significant debate and calls for accountability. The governor, who created the Illinois Accountability Commission to track ICE agents’ conduct, insisted that instances of misconduct are occurring regularly, describing the situation as a crisis for democracy.
Pritzker’s remarks were part of a broader conversation about immigration enforcement and national security. He emphasized that while his state will support law enforcement in removing violent criminals, there is a serious risk of racial profiling. The governor stood by his comments under questioning, arguing that the actions of some ICE agents mirror the early stages of authoritarian regimes, where the erosion of civil liberties begins.
During the interview, Pritzker also raised concerns about Trump’s rhetoric and past actions, warning that the president’s threats to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago could be a sign of a deeper threat to democratic norms. He highlighted Trump’s history of claiming election fraud and suggesting the use of military force to overturn results, calling it a dangerous precedent.
“You don’t think Donald Trump heard that and thought maybe that’s a good idea?” Pritzker asked, underlining his belief that Trump’s rhetoric is a clear threat to the constitutional framework of the United States. The governor also pointed out that while Trump has reduced the immediate problem of illegal border crossings, the lack of comprehensive immigration reform remains a critical issue.
Pritzker’s comments come amid ongoing legal battles over the deployment of the National Guard to Illinois, with the Trump administration seeking to extend a court order while the Supreme Court reviews the case. The governor’s stance reflects a broader liberal critique of Trump’s immigration policies and his approach to law enforcement. His comparison of ICE to Nazi tactics has intensified the political debate on immigration, highlighting the deepening ideological divide in U.S. politics.