Pritzker creates ‘accountability’ commission in response to Trump’s Chicago raids
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) unveiled a new “accountability” commission Thursday designed to keep a public record of federal agents’ conduct as the Trump administration continues “conducting military-style operations in Chicago” and surrounding areas.
The Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC), an independent board established by executive order, will be tasked with reviewing federal law enforcement operations in the Prairie State, documenting their impact on local communities and making recommendations for reform.
The IAC will submit a comprehensive report to the governor after holding public hearings and gathering information from a wide range of people, including local officials, residents, journalists, experts and organizations.
Pritzker’s office said in a press release that these accounts aim to “shed more light on the misconduct” of the federal officials and to “document a formal, public record that can be used to pursue justice and accountability.”
“The federal government is pushing the boundaries of their authority to terrorize our communities while disregarding all legal and moral accountability in the process,” the governor said. “We will not meet intimidation with fear — we will meet it with truth.”
“We are going to 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,” he continued. “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.”
The commission is Pritzker’s latest effort to push back against President Trump’s aggressive crackdown on immigration in Chicago.
In the announcement, the governor’s office pointed to instances of “excessive force, masked agents in unmarked vehicles, military-style raids, the use of chemical irritants, and reports of violent conduct by federal agents.”
The IAC will consist of up to nine people appointed by the governor. Pritzker announced six names along with the announcement of the commission.
The White House and the Department of Homeland Security did not respond to an immediate request for comment.