Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, are reportedly obstructing ICE agents from accessing prisons and jails to deport illegal aliens in the sanctuary city of Chicago.
Real America’s Voice correspondent Ben Bergquam notes that around 300 illegal aliens are currently in jail with ICE detainer requests, but local officials are refusing to cooperate with federal authorities.
An immigration detainer is essentially a request from ICE asking local law enforcement to hold a removable alien for up to 48 hours beyond their release time to allow ICE to assume custody.
This refusal to comply with federal immigration laws is causing significant tension between local and federal governments. According to Bergquam, “You’re going to see the federal government come after these cities and states in a way we’ve never seen before.” He predicts that there may be defunding of sanctuary communities that defy ICE officers.
Illinois officials are working against the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts. They are making legislative changes to prevent Chicago Police from collaborating with federal authorities to remove illegals involved in serious crimes.
Governor JB Pritzker was also recently accused of fabricating a story about ICE agents raiding a Chicago elementary school.
In a segment on Bannon’s War Room, Ben Bergquam discussed Illinois officials’ defiance of ICE detainer requests. He rode with Acting Deputy Attorney Emil Bove to witness the situation firsthand and found it alarming. Bove was reportedly shocked by the obstruction ICE agents face when trying to carry out their duties.
The ICE agent accompanying Bergquam disclosed that there are currently 300 individuals being held with detainers in Chicago. Despite this, local authorities refuse to hand them over to ICE. Significant resources are being used to try and deport these individuals, but the lack of cooperation is hindering the process.
Bannon emphasized the gravity of the situation, asking Bergquam to repeat the numbers to the audience. Bergquam confirmed that the ICE agent he was with reported 300 detainers just in Chicago. Bove, a high-ranking figure in the Justice Department, was reportedly outraged by the challenges ICE agents face.
Bergquam shared that ICE agents are limited in their actions, as they must follow legal protocols such as obtaining administrative warrants. In one instance, they had to leave a location because a suspect refused to open the door. This revealed the extent of the challenges in enforcing immigration laws in sanctuary cities.
The situation underscores the need for federal action against sanctuary city policies. Bergquam suggests defunding these cities and holding officials like Johnson and Pritzker accountable. He believes it is crucial to address these issues to secure the nation.
Bannon inquired about the morale of ICE agents and their leaders, including Homan. Bergquam reported that while the agents are eager to fulfill their duties, the tasks ahead seem daunting. They are trying to navigate the complexities of enforcing immigration laws under challenging circumstances.
Bergquam stressed the importance of expanding the 287G program, which empowers local law enforcement to work with ICE, in conservative areas. Although Illinois may not apply this program, other states are considering it. States like Mississippi and Louisiana are exploring bounty hunter operations to address illegal immigration.
Ultimately, Bergquam argues that the focus should be on holding sanctuary city leaders accountable. By targeting governors and mayors who promote policies that hinder ICE, he believes progress can be made. The current situation is a drop in the bucket compared to what needs to be done to secure the country.
As the situation unfolds, the tension between local and federal authorities continues to grow. The actions of leaders in sanctuary cities are under scrutiny. The debate over immigration enforcement in the United States remains a contentious issue.
I would say that if the person in authority wants to refuse to do the right thing, arrest all of them and deport or put them away from the rest of society.