Pritzker moves to increase accountability of federal agents in Illinois

(WAND) — Governor JB Pritzker signed an executive order Thursday to establish the Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC), which is meant to hold federal agents accountable as they conduct operations throughout Illinois.

The Governor's Office said the IAC is an independent board that will capture and create a public record of the conduct of federal law enforcement agents and recommend actions to hold them accountable.

The commission will determine how to safely and carefully collect testimony, hold hearings, and gather information from people like community members, experts, local officials and journalists.

"The federal government is pushing the boundaries of their authority to terrorize our communities while disregarding all legal and moral accountability in the process," said Pritzker. "Once this all ends, I believe there will be people of good faith who will review what the commission has recorded and will demand answers and accountability."

The IAC will consist of up to nine members appointed by Pritzker and is supported by the Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR).

"The actions we have witnessed by federal agents operating in Illinois represent a profound threat to the safety, dignity, and civil rights of our residents. This commission will provide checks for transparent, lawful operations and ensure that the voices of impacted communities are heard, recorded, and honored," said IDHR Director Jim Bennett. "We will not allow fear to silence those who have been harmed, an we will not allow misuse of power to shield those who have caused harm."

Illinoisans who have seen or experienced concerning conduct by federal agents are encouraged to visit the IAC website to learn more about the commission.

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