The following is a detailed transcript of an interview with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a member of the Democratic Party, which aired on Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan on August 31, 2025. The discussion centers around recent plans for federal immigration enforcement in Chicago and the implications for local communities.
ED O'KEEFE: Governor Pritzker, thank you for your time and for the insightful tour. Let’s begin with the recent news that the Trump administration is preparing to launch significant immigration enforcement operations here in Chicago shortly. The Homeland Security Secretary mentioned using Los Angeles as a model. What’s your response to these plans?
GOV. JB PRITZKER: We’ve seen this before; ICE has scared communities throughout Chicago, including Little Village, where businesses had to close, and residents felt unsafe—many of whom are U.S. citizens. People worry about being taken off the streets by masked individuals. Chicagoans are familiar with these tactics and are prepared to respond. We hope no troops accompany ICE, as that would lead to immediate legal action. The Posse Comitatus Act prohibits U.S. troops from participating in law enforcement within U.S. cities, and that’s a critical legal principle we intend to uphold.
ED O'KEEFE: If federal agents are performing immigration duties, a judge might rule that troop presence is permissible for their protection. Are you prepared to challenge this in court?
GOV. PRITZKER: National Guard troops should only be deployed in U.S. cities during true emergencies or insurrections—neither of which exists in Chicago right now.
ED O'KEEFE: Have you received any communication from the administration regarding these plans?
GOV. PRITZKER: No, neither the President nor any members of his administration have reached out to my office or the city of Chicago. It seems they are planning this operation in secret, which feels like an invasion involving U.S. troops. They should coordinate with local law enforcement and inform us about their plans, but their lack of communication is disruptive and dangerous.
ED O'KEEFE: You’ll be speaking with Homeland Security Secretary Noem this Sunday. What message do you have for her?
GOV. PRITZKER: I would tell her that her actions are inflaming tensions unnecessarily. There are law-abiding residents who have lived and worked in Illinois for decades, and arresting them disrupts their lives and the lives of those who are trying to navigate the legal immigration process. This behavior is not only dangerous but also un-American.
ED O'KEEFE: Secretary Noem has criticized Chicago for not cooperating with federal immigration operations, claiming Illinois “refuses to have our back.”
GOV. PRITZKER: That’s simply not true. Local police have maintained order and ensured that no one interferes with ICE operations. People have the right to express their opinions, and we protect that right in Chicago. While we won't engage in federal immigration enforcement, we’re focused on combating violent crime, and we are succeeding.
ED O'KEEFE: The President has made several negative remarks about Chicago, referring to it as a "killing field." How do you respond to that?
GOV. PRITZKER: The President seems to have an obsession with Chicago while ignoring higher crime rates in red states. Illinois is not among the top states for violent crime; in fact, we're in the top half. Yet, he avoids mentioning states like Florida or Texas, which have much higher crime rates.
ED O'KEEFE: Would the presence of more federal agents in Chicago assist local law enforcement in deterring crime?
GOV. PRITZKER: Absolutely. If they genuinely want to help us catch criminals, we welcome assistance from the FBI and ATF. We have a history of collaborating with these agencies to address drug interdiction, gang violence, and gun trafficking. What we need are universal background checks for gun purchases at a federal level to keep firearms off our streets.
ED O'KEEFE: Recent data indicates crime rates in Washington have dropped significantly since the National Guard's deployment. Could a similar federal presence benefit Chicago?
GOV. PRITZKER: I maintain that deploying troops in American cities is un-American. The President should understand that. We already have federal agents assisting us; what we need is more funding to bolster our community programs that prevent crime. President Trump is cutting federal funding for these essential programs, which only exacerbates the crime problem.
ED O'KEEFE: Can you provide an example of how federal funding cuts have impacted crime-fighting efforts in Chicago?
GOV. PRITZKER: When we had a Republican governor who cut funding for crime prevention programs, we saw a substantial uptick in crime. These cuts impacted summer job programs and other initiatives that help keep young people engaged and away from crime. We need federal funding to support these vital programs to maintain our progress in reducing crime.
ED O'KEEFE: Have you reached out to the White House to discuss your concerns?
GOV. PRITZKER: I’ve made my position clear publicly. If the President wants to send troops, he should call me. I’m open to discussing how we can work together, but so far, there has been no communication from the White House.
ED O'KEEFE: California has announced plans to deploy state police to major cities to counter potential federal actions. Would you consider a similar approach in Illinois?
GOV. PRITZKER: We regularly deploy Illinois State Police to assist local law enforcement. They coordinate with Chicago Police and other departments to reduce crime effectively.
ED O'KEEFE: There’s speculation regarding your connections to the President through your family’s hotel business. Do you think this influences his focus on Chicago?
GOV. PRITZKER: I cannot speak to his motivations. It seems he has chosen to attack Chicago for reasons unknown to me. We will not tolerate this behavior.
ED O'KEEFE: If federal troops are deployed to Chicago, what does that mean for the country?
GOV. PRITZKER: It indicates that the President has ulterior motives beyond fighting crime. It could be perceived as an attack on the American people. The Constitution grants states sovereignty, and the President should not send troops into cities that have not requested their help.
ED O'KEEFE: You have enacted significant firearms legislation in Illinois. How does this help prevent shootings?
GOV. PRITZKER: We have banned assault weapons, bump stocks, and other modifications that enable mass shootings. This legislation is designed to reduce gun violence, and we have seen a decrease in shootings as a result.
ED O'KEEFE: There seems to be a divide in the Democratic Party regarding how to engage with the President. How do you view this?
GOV. PRITZKER: I believe it’s crucial to stand up to the President. His actions are not in the best interest of the American people, and we should encourage civic engagement to confront his agenda.
ED O'KEEFE: As you look ahead, is there a need for the next Democratic nominee to promise to reverse Trump’s policies?
GOV. PRITZKER: I’m focused on the upcoming election in 2026, where I am running for reelection as Governor of Illinois.
ED O'KEEFE: Can voters trust that you will dedicate yourself to Illinois if reelected?
GOV. PRITZKER: I have dedicated myself entirely to Illinois, and I will continue to do so. My focus is on protecting the rights of our citizens against any potential tyranny.
ED O'KEEFE: Are you considering a run for President?
GOV. PRITZKER: My current plan is to run for reelection as Governor.
ED O'KEEFE: Is there any chance Illinois will redraw congressional lines before the midterms?
GOV. PRITZKER: That’s not something I’m advocating, but if the President continues to manipulate the process, we may have to reevaluate our options. Redistricting should occur after the census, not on an arbitrary timeline.
ED O'KEEFE: Thank you for your time, Governor Pritzker.
GOV. PRITZKER: Thank you, Ed. Good to see you.
