Illinois Accountability Commission to Monitor and Document Federal Agents' Activities

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Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois has taken a decisive step in response to the nation’s ongoing immigration enforcement issues by signing an executive order on Thursday. This order initiates the formation of a commission dedicated to monitoring the conduct of federal law enforcement agencies and advising on measures for accountability.

Under the title Executive Order 2025-06, the Illinois Accountability Commission (IAC) is established as an independent entity. According to a statement from the governor’s office, the commission’s role is to document and create a public record of the activities of federal law enforcement agents. Furthermore, it will provide recommendations aimed at ensuring the federal government remains accountable, particularly as they engage in what has been described as military-style operations across Illinois.

The initiative to limit the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is a significant concern for several Illinois lawmakers, especially as they reconvene for the veto session.

Governor Pritzker emphasized that the commission will be responsible for collecting testimonies, conducting hearings, and compiling data. The outcomes of these efforts will be presented in a report to him and will also be made accessible to the public.

“The actions of the federal government have overstepped their authority, causing fear and disregarding legal and moral responsibilities in our communities,” Pritzker stated in his announcement. “We will confront these tactics not with fear, but with facts. By establishing a comprehensive record, we aim to reveal the truth. I am confident that when this period concludes, people of integrity will review the commission’s findings and demand necessary answers and accountability.”

The full text of the executive order can be found here.

Up to nine people could be appointed by the Governor to serve on the commission. This includes:

Judge Rubén Castillo
- Served as Judge of the United States District Court for the Northern District of Illinois for 25 years and served as the Chief Judge for six of those years
Patricia Brown Holmes
- Former associate judge in the Circuit Court of Cook County, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Assistant State’s Attorney
Aurora Austriaco
- Commissioner for the Illinois Courts Commission
Susan Gzesh
- Instructional professor at University of Chicago, founding attorney of the Midwest Immigrant Rights Center
Linda Xóchitl Tortolero
- President and CEO of Latino Policy Forum, serves on the Women’s Advisory Council of the Mayor’s Office for Chicago and the Board of the National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice
Cindy Sam
- Retired Commander at the Chicago Police Department

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) will support the commission’s work.

Anyone who witnesses or experiences concerning conduct by federal agents should visit the IAC website at ilac.Illinois.gov for more information about the commission’s work, hearing schedules, and other updates.