Illinois’s newly formed commission held its first public hearing Thursday to review the federal immigration crackdown that began in September, a campaign that has already seen more than 4,000 arrests and a fatal shooting by federal agents.
The commission was created by Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and is led by former federal judge Rubén Castillo. “It’s going to be impossible to forget,” Castillo said of the operation. “The one thing we cannot do is accept this. This cannot be the new normal.”
Commission members acknowledged that they cannot compel witnesses, bring charges or force legislation. Their role is to document incidents and issue a report next year with recommendations.
The operation has drawn sharp criticism from judges, elected officials and residents in Chicago and its suburbs, who accuse federal agents of using aggressive tactics that the state calls discriminatory and an overreach of executive power.
In addition to the 4,000 arrests, the crackdown included a fatal shooting and has triggered multiple lawsuits. A new law now shields immigrants from arrests near courthouses, hospitals and schools.
California has joined the fight, launching a portal this month that lets residents file complaints against federal agents for alleged misconduct.
The Department of Homeland Security defended its approach, citing threats to federal officers and the arrest of violent criminals. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin, however, blasted the commission as a smear campaign, saying it was Pritzker’s way of attacking law enforcement.
The hearing took place near Little Village, a neighborhood dubbed the “Mexico of the Midwest” that was hit hardest by the agents. Businesses reported slowdowns and schools noted drops in attendance as residents stayed on edge.
Pastor Matt DeMateo of New Life Centers testified that the narrative of removing dangerous criminals is simply not true, adding that the community has been devastated.
Senior Border Patrol Official Greg Bovino, who left Chicago last month, returned unexpectedly this week, sparking backlash from activists who followed agents through the city and suburbs. Bovino posted on X about his conversation with Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss: “Although he fell back into the divisive talking points that we’ve heard ad nauseum from politicians in Chicago, I hope it was enlightening to him,” he wrote.
Biss, who is running for Congress, responded on X with a picture of the interaction and the caption, “We will not be intimidated,” and added, “Get the hell out of our city.”
The commission’s report will aim to provide a historical record of the operation’s impact, countering the Trump administration’s account and documenting firsthand witness testimony.
Key Takeaways
- Illinois commission documents alleged harassment and abuse during federal immigration crackdown.
- Over 4,000 arrests, a fatal shooting, lawsuits, and a new protective law have marked the operation.
- Community backlash, political confrontation, and a planned report aim to preserve an accurate historic record.
