SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Tensions are rising between state lawmakers, as Illinois House Republicans say violence against ICE agents needs to stop. GOP leaders also filed a bill Monday to ban people from "interfering" with law enforcement fulfilling their duty.
Illinois Republicans argue that gaslighting and dangerous rhetoric from Democrats have caused protesters to become violent with federal agents in Broadview.
House Minority Leader Tony McCombie (R-Savanna) said Gov. JB Pritzker's remarks have only deepened tensions between ICE agents and community members.
"Our governor called law enforcement jack-booted thugs," McCombie said Tuesday. "He went further, urging Illinoisans to fight with everything we have, and to ask for badge numbers, and record everything. To what end?"
Rep. Jeff Keicher (R-Sycamore) has filed legislation to ban people from intentionally threatening or harassing law enforcement after police give them a warning. The plan states officers who reasonably believe someone's presence within 14 feet of them will interfere with their job may warn the person not to approach.
Anyone who ignores those instructions with the intent to disrupt, threaten, or harass law enforcement would face a Class A misdemeanor.
"We need to bring down the tension and remember our law enforcement officers are public servants and members of our community simply trying to perform their duty to keep all of us safe," Keicher said.
GOP leaders are also renewing their calls for lawmakers to repeal the TRUST Act, which blocks Illinois law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration officials. They believe this law is the reason ICE agents were sent to Illinois.
"The reality is that Gov. Pritzker is more concerned about building his progressive national image than he is about protecting Illinois families from murderers and rapists," said Rep. CD Davidsmeyer (R-Jacksonville).
Pritzker told reporters Tuesday that it appears Trump has dementia and is trying to copy the actions of Vladimir Putin. The Democrat said he will go to court against the Trump administration as soon as troops arrive in Illinois.
"Sending troops into cities, thinking that's some sort of proving ground for war, or that indeed there's some sort of internal war going on in the United States, is just frankly inane," Pritzker said. "And I'm concerned for his health."
More Statehouse Coverage:
Pritzker furious Trump administration is arresting people 'simply for the way they look'
State senator files multiple bills to protect consumers from unfair insurance rate setting
IL lawmakers discuss plan to require registered voters participate in general elections
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