Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker pushed back forcefully on social media and in public remarks after former President Donald Trump suggested that both Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brendan Johnson “should be in jail” for allegedly failing to protect ICE agents. Trump made the comment in a Truth Social post tied to tensions over the deployment of National Guard troops to the Chicago region.  In response, Pritzker told reporters, “Come and get me,” and condemned Trump’s demand as alarming and authoritarian. He also described Trump as “unhinged” and “literally demented,” accusing him of threatening political opponents with arrest.

During an appearance on ABC’s This Week, Pritzker criticized the Trump administration’s rhetoric and claims, accusing Vice President J.D. Vance of delivering a “tidal wave of lies” about Illinois and its leadership. He asserted that the administration was manufacturing controversies to go after political adversaries. Pritzker also warned that although Trump might have some legal tools at his disposal, attempts to target him are unconstitutional, and he would resist.

Vance, during the same show, criticized Pritzker for failing to address crime in Chicago and implied the governor should “face some consequences” for his handling of public safety. However, when asked whether he agreed with Trump’s assertion that Pritzker had committed a crime, Vance avoided making that direct claim.