Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that it would be unlawful for President Trump to deploy the FBI to apprehend a Democratic official from Texas in an effort to disrupt Republican-led initiatives.
“First off, Texas laws don’t extend to Illinois, and there’s no federal law that permits the FBI to arrest anyone here,” he remarked, calling the situation absurd.
Pritzker pledged to safeguard the Texas Democrats who have sought refuge in Illinois, aiming to obstruct the quorum necessary for the Texas Legislature to vote on a controversial redistricting map.
In response to the fleeing lawmakers, Texas Governor Greg Abbott ordered arrests, claiming they had abandoned their responsibilities to Texans. However, law enforcement in Texas lacks the jurisdiction to act against them while they are outside the state.
This prompted Texas Senator John Cornyn to reach out to FBI Director Kash Patel for assistance. When asked if the FBI should intervene, Trump suggested, “Well, maybe they have to.”
The Illinois governor has been vocal in his criticism of Trump, recalling the president’s remarks about “stealing five seats from people.”
On NBC, Pritzker expressed strong support for the lawmakers who left Texas.
“We offer them a safe haven, a place to stay and visit because they are standing up not only for their colleagues but for the rights of Texans and others across the nation,” he asserted.
Pritzker further accused Abbott and Trump of attempting to manipulate electoral maps, revealing a fear of losing their majority in Congress by 2026.
To maintain Republican dominance after the midterm elections in 2026, Trump has urged the Commerce Department to conduct a new census prior to the planned 2030 schedule, excluding undocumented immigrants from the count. Typically, the census is carried out every decade, followed by redistricting.
Pritzker charged Abbott with infringing upon the Voting Rights Act, which is designed to ensure fair representation for minorities in electoral districts.
“He’s trying to undermine federal law and seize five seats from minority Congressional representatives and their constituents,” Pritzker added.
“This is a constitutional violation, and it’s crucial that we all speak out and ensure that the nation understands the illegality of what’s happening in Texas.”
