By Illinois Review
Gov. JB Pritzker has once again made it clear where his loyalties lie – and it’s not with law-abiding Illinois citizens. In a stunning letter to the Trump administration, Pritzker asked federal officials to pause ICE operations over Halloween weekend so that illegal aliens could “enjoy the holiday in peace.”
The memo, according to Politico, addressed to U.S. Homeland Security officials, including Acting ICE Director Lyons and Commissioner Scott, demanded that federal agents stand down from October 31 through November 2.
Pritzker claimed that immigration enforcement during the holiday would “traumatize children” and “force families to live in fear.”
The governor’s letter was sparked by reports that federal agents allegedly used tear gas during a Halloween parade in Chicago’s northwest side – a claim not yet verified by ICE or local law enforcement. Nonetheless, Pritzker used the allegation to accuse federal agents of “targeting Black and Brown people” and violating the Constitution.
Federal authorities, however, say the agents issued warnings, claimed they were “boxed in by agitators,” and that tear gas was deployed only after verbal commands were ignored.
“Families deserve to spend Halloween weekend without fear,” Pritzker wrote, adding that “no child should be forced to inhale tear gas or other chemical agents while trick or treating.”
But critics say Pritzker is more concerned about the comfort of illegal aliens than the safety of Illinois families who live with rising crime, drug trafficking, and gang violence fueled by failed sanctuary policies.
While federal agents risk their lives every day to remove dangerous criminals from U.S. streets, the governor is busy writing letters that give those same criminals a 72-hour head start.
Illinois taxpayers already foot the bill for more than $2 billion in state-funded benefits for illegal immigrants, including free healthcare and housing assistance. Now, Pritzker wants to ensure they can celebrate Halloween without interference from law enforcement.
Instead of working with federal authorities to protect communities, Pritzker continues to side with the radical left – placing the rights of those who broke our laws above the rights of American citizens.
For Illinois families struggling under high taxes, high crime, and moral decay, it’s yet another reminder that their governor’s priorities are upside down.
This Halloween, Pritzker isn’t protecting children – he’s protecting chaos.
