No matter what statistics you cite, violent crime and public safety continue to be major issues in Chicago. Crime numbers may be slightly down in 2025, as compared to 2024, but how many ‘less’ murders are acceptable? How many ‘less’ violent robberies and devastating impacts to public safety and neighborhoods are acceptable? In a recent interview with NBC Chicago, Pritzker was forced to admit the quiet part out loud. While attempting to dodge a question about violent crime and the recent outbreak over Labor Day weekend, Pritzker stated, “Look, big cities have crime, there’s no doubt about it.” The response was tone deaf and offensive to thousands of families who have had their lives shattered due to the crime and violence in Chicago in the last decade and beyond. Instead of pushing to find solutions, combat violent crime, and work to save lives, the Governor chooses to hide behind veiled statistics and political talking points.
The war of words between Pritzker and the federal government does nothing to help the citizens of Illinois. And policies championed by the Pritzker administration and Illinois Democrats, headlined by the SAFE-T Act and TRUST Act, continue to put communities in danger. Almost every day in Illinois, violent criminals are set free within hours of being arrested due to the SAFE-T Act. If the crimes these suspects are being accused of are not on the list of detainable offenses, judges have no choice but to set them free. These violent criminals are released into our neighborhoods, free to commit other heinous crimes while awaiting trial.
The TRUST Act, enacted in 2017, prohibits local law enforcement from assisting with federal ICE operations without a warrant. With thousands of illegal immigrants still inhabiting the Chicago area, this law is compromising public safety and making the jobs of federal agents more challenging. If the goal is to get criminals off the streets and create safer neighborhoods, then the TRUST Act must be repealed, a stance House Republicans have stood firm on.
What standard of public safety are Illinois Democrats and Gov. Pritzker beholden to? Crime remains out of control in Chicago, and every weekend, news reports cite details that are not debatable. A huge problem remains, and rather than work with the federal government, Gov. Pritzker continues to play political games at the expense of keeping Illinois citizens safer. Lives are at stake, Governor. Chicago is not ‘fine.’