DHS blames 'sanctuary' politicians for ICE violence
[October 04, 2025]
By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced
that two vehicles were used as weapons against Immigration and Customs
Enforcement officers in the Chicago metro area Thursday.
The separate incidents happened in Bensenville and the other in
Norridge. DHS said Friday morning two illegal aliens deliberately tried
to ram and injure officers enforcing the law. The suspects are in
custody with removal proceedings pending.
“Thankfully none of our law enforcement was killed because of these
deranged criminals' attacks on law enforcement,” said Assistant
Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This is exactly what happens when Governor
[J.B.] Pritzker, Mayor [Brandon] Johnson, and other sanctuary
politicians demonize ICE and encourage illegal aliens to resist law
enforcement.”
McLaughlin noted ICE officers are facing a more than 1,000% increase in
assaults.
Earlier this week, Pritzker said federal officers crossed the line with
protesters last weekend.
“Without provocation and acting like Jackbooted thugs. Ice has attacked
and detained members of the press, including an independent journalist,”
Pritzker said Monday.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said the governor has
been egging on conflict.
“Let me repeat that. Our governor called law enforcement jackbooted
thugs,” McCombie said. “He went further, urging Illinoisans to fight
with everything we have.”
Pritzker said to protest peacefully.
“Look, I think it's fine to be in opposition to the president's views
and opposition to the president's policies,” Pritzker said Tuesday.
“There's nothing that incites people about that.”
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Security personnel stand on the roof of an ICE facility in
Broadview, Illinois, on Sept. 24, 2025. Photo: Jim Talamonti / The
Center Square
He said Republicans are the ones inciting tension by calling Democrats
names.
McCombie said the governor should tell the protesters and anyone
approached by ICE to cooperate.
“Why is he sending citizens into a battleground?” she asked.
Pritzker said the state is helping local law enforcement to get things
like gas masks in anticipation of more unrest.
Thursday evening, Illinois State Police announced they’re joining forces
with law enforcement and emergency managers from Cook County and the
village of Broadview in anticipation of weekend protests.
The announcement included a map with parameters drawn around protest
areas, media areas and a safety lane to allow emergency vehicle access.
ISP said the goal is to enable peaceful expression of first amendment
rights and they will not assist nor obstruct enforcement of federal
immigration statutes.
“Uniformed officers will be on site to help direct people to the
designated areas,” the ISP announcement said. “In addition to protecting
the safety and rights of people peacefully expressing their views, these
measures will also ensure that third parties that need access to the
facility – including attorneys and legal representatives, people
bringing medicine to detainees, and representatives from foreign
consulates – will maintain clear points of access to the facility.” |
