State rep calls out violent rhetoric after Pritzker commission rips federal officers

By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – After the first meeting of the Illinois Accountability Commission, a Republican state representative says Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s rhetoric does the opposite of discouraging violence.

Pritzker announced the commission’s formation when he issued an executive order Oct. 23. The governor said the panel chaired by former U.S. District Court Judge Rubén Castillo would have three core missions: establishing a public record to document the conduct of federal officers during Operation Midway Blitz, examining the impact of that conduct on individuals and communities, and considering policy recommendations.

The commission held its first public hearing Thursday at Richard J. Daley College in Chicago.

Several witnesses discussed the impact of the use of chemical agents by federal immigration law enforcement officers.

One witness, Dr. Rohini J. Haar, said she is an emergency medicine physician based in California. Haar said her research for the past decade has been at the intersection of health and human rights.

Haar described chemical irritants used against protesters as “crowd control weapons” or “less lethal weapons,” but said she believed lethality depends on how they are used and on who.

Haar said the chemicals are often used against small groups and encouraged protesters to protect their health and collect evidence if they are harmed.

“Before protests, I encourage you to plan ahead, wear protective clothing, travel with trusted friends, communicate with leadership,” Haar said.

The doctor said the best ways to be safe during protests are to respect the law and remain peaceful, and to have strong situational awareness,” Haar said. “And if you see or experience incidents of force, document them on your phone.”

Pritzker has repeatedly urged protesters to use their phones to record the actions of federal law enforcement officers.

“Do as you have, because, frankly, I’m very proud of the way that Illinoisans have reacted to [Customs and Border Patrol] and [Immigration and Customs Enforcement], and that’s in pulling out your whistles and your phones, video everything, post it online,” Pritzker said Tuesday.

Several commission members praised Haar for her testimony.

Another speaker, Chicago Deputy Mayor of Immigrant, Migrant and Refugee Rights Beatriz Ponce De León, described federal immigration enforcement officers as “lawless.”

“They have tear-gassed without cause as you’ve seen and without warning or any interest in the safety of the people around them,” De León said.

A speaker identified as Lena Arthur said she was a rapid responder for Palenque Liberating Spaces through Neighborhood Action in Chicago. Arthur directed her criticism at Pritzker, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson.

“Gov. Pritzker, you are complicit. Brendan Kelly is complicit. Brandon Johnson is complicit. Turn this accountability council inward and on what Pritzker is doing to contribute to this evil,” the masked woman said.

The next speaker, Pastor David Black, referred to federal officers as “masked kidnappers.”

State Rep. Nicole La Ha, R-Homer Glen, said elected officials have the power to take down the temperature and discourage violence.

“I can’t help but point when Gov. Pritzker does these things, it does the opposite. When it comes to violence, when it comes to aggression, your leadership matters,” La Ha told The Center Square.

La Ha said even vaguely suggesting violence is never the answer.

“Violent rhetoric often leads to violent actions, and it’s antagonistic,” La Ha said.

La Ha noted the contrast between Pritzker exchanging insults with President Donald Trump and New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani having a conversation with the president.

“Absolutely, you know I was pleasantly surprised to see that. There is nothing wrong with civility. Being civil does not mean you’re giving up your values or your beliefs, and we need to see more of that,” La Ha said.

La Ha said she plans to review the commission’s report on Thursday’s hearing.

Castillo said Thursday was just the first step for the commission.