Pritzker Creates Commission to Probe ICE, CBP Conduct

Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order creating the Illinois Accountability Commission to document alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents during “Operation Midway Blitz” and to create a public record of abuses. Reports describe the panel variously as a six‑member volunteer commission and as a task force of up to nine governor‑appointed members supported by the Illinois Department of Human Rights. Chair U.S. District Judge Rubén Castillo said the commission will collect videos and testimony, hold hearings, investigate specific incidents — including the fatal ICE shooting of Silverio Villegas‑González and the Oct. 4 shooting of Marimar Martinez — and determine whether agents faced discipline, then recommend legal and policy actions to pursue accountability. Officials say the commission has no direct law‑enforcement authority and has been reported to lack subpoena power, drawing criticism from Illinois GOP leaders. Hundreds of videos and firsthand accounts have been collected, the commission’s website is expected to launch soon, and hearings and testimony‑gathering are expected to begin in the coming weeks.