State vs. Federal: Illinois launches commission to probe civil rights violations by Trump-era enforcement

CHICAGO, Ill. (WTVO) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker announced the creation of a new state commission aimed at documenting and investigating alleged abuses committed by federal agents during Operation Midway Blitz.

Speaking at a press conference in Chicago on Thursday, Pritzker described the federal operation as a “military-style assault” on the city, citing incidents of harassment, racial profiling, and excessive use of force.

“Trump’s masked agents have detained innocent American citizens and legal residents,” Pritzker said. “They’ve thrown tear gas and smoke grenades at peaceful crowds.”

Pritzker announced the creation of the Illinois Accountability Commission, which will be tasked with compiling a public record of alleged abuses, assessing their impact on families and communities, and recommending further action.

“The federal government is pushing the boundaries of their authority to terrorize our communities while disregarding all legal and moral accountability in the process. We will not meet intimidation with fear — we will meet it with truth,” said Pritzker. “We are going show the public — here in Chicago, the State of Illinois, across the nation, and around the world — exactly what is going on. We will create a detailed record, and that record will reflect reality. ​ Once this all ends, I believe there will be people of good faith who will review what the Commission has recorded and will demand answers and accountability.” 

“This is not about crime or safety,” Pritzker said. “If it were, there would be coordination with local law enforcement and judicial warrants.”

The Governor said the commission will be chaired by Judge Ruben Castillo, a former chief judge of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and vice-chaired by Patricia Brown Holmes, a former associate judge and federal prosecutor.

Other appointees include legal scholars, human rights advocates, and a retired police commander.

Pritzker accused Trump administration officials, including Stephen Miller and Tom Homan, of enabling misconduct within their ranks and removing oversight mechanisms.

“Trump has fired 17 inspectors general,” he said. “He has installed cronies and sycophants at the Department of Justice who are willing to look the other way.”

The governor urged Illinois residents to share their experiences with federal agents via the commission’s website, and pledged that the state would not respond to intimidation with fear. “We will meet it with truth,” he said.