In a significant move Thursday, Governor JB Pritzker convened with a group of retired military leaders, including former major generals and admirals, to address what he describes as the growing militarization of American cities.

Recent weeks have seen Chicago become a focal point for the Department of Homeland Security’s intensified actions, particularly amidst an ongoing immigration crackdown in Illinois. This escalation has drawn considerable attention and concern from local officials.

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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents have been active, carrying out arrests in various public settings such as schools, restaurants, and other communal areas. These operations have often sparked violent confrontations with protesters, as federal agents have resorted to using tear gas and firing pepper balls to disperse agitated crowds.

Governor Pritzker expressed deep concern over these developments, stating that ICE’s actions are sowing discord and confusion. He also issued a cautionary note to other cities, suggesting they might soon experience similar unrest.

“We are witnessing masked federal agents from ICE and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) terrorizing our communities with tear gas and rubber bullets,” Pritzker remarked. “These agents, some in military-like camouflage, operate as if they are part of a secret police force, harassing civilians, tear gassing neighborhoods, arresting journalists, and profiling individuals based on their skin color. This is a deliberate tactic by Trump and Miller,” he continued.

“Masked federal agents from ICE and CBP are on the ground terrorizing our communities with tear gas and rubber bullets, and some are wearing camouflage uniforms that could easily be mistaken for the military. It is Trump and Miller’s agents, were operating like they are his own secret police, harassing civilians, tear gassing communities and arresting journalists and grabbing people in the street to ask them for their papers based on the color of their skin. This is intentional,” Pritzker said.

The retired military leaders expressed grave concern about President Donald Trump’s continued abuse of power and attempts to politicize the military, a news release from Pritzker’s office said.

“I’m grateful to have the clarity given by the retired generals, rear admirals, and veterans here with me today. With their combined wealth of experience, I have been hearing from them about what this dangerous power grab by the Trump administration means for our state,” Pritzker said. “One thing is evident: this effort to deploy troops in American cities is not normal. There is no justification for such a deployment, and it echoes the rise of authoritarian regimes throughout world history. Illinois is not a place you can conquer. And our people are not your subjects. Period.”

This is a developing story; check back with ABC7 Chicago for updates.