North Cook News

Mark Albers, President of the Niles Township Republicans, has criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker's focus on attacking President Trump rather than addressing Illinois' pressing issues. Albers expressed his views to North Cook News, highlighting what he perceives as a disconnect in leadership that justifies the president's call for accountability.

"In his testimony, Governor J.B. Pritzker laid bare his disregard for the wellbeing of Illinois taxpayers and public safety," said Albers. "His administration has defied federal immigration rules and curtailed law enforcement's authority. Taxpayer money has been irresponsibly spent on illegal immigrant programs amid increasing crime and service demands. His policies have created a public safety crisis that endangers every Illinois community."

According to Capitol News Illinois, on October 8, Governor Pritzker responded to President Trump's calls for legal action and possible imprisonment after Pritzker refused to protect federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Illinois. Pritzker reportedly said, "Come and get me." Later that day, during an interview in downtown Chicago, he referred to Trump as "unhinged" and a "dictator."

In a post on the social media platform Truth Social on October 8, President Trump said, "Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect ICE Officers! Governor Pritzker also!"

Wirepoints reported that while Governor Pritzker has criticized Trump's deportation plans, Illinois faces its own challenges related to sanctuary policies. The state is home to approximately 530,000 undocumented immigrants. Since 2022, Illinois has spent $1.5 billion on healthcare for undocumented seniors and adults without federal reimbursement. Additional spending on housing, legal aid, transportation, and education—such as an estimated $400 million for migrant students in Chicago Public Schools—has increased costs further. The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimates total state and local costs at $3.9 billion.

The Illinois Policy Institute reported that by the end of 2025, Illinois will have spent over $2.5 billion on migrant care, exceeding projections and straining taxpayers. Healthcare accounted for $1.6 billion through July 2024. The adult migrant program was expected to cost $126.4 million from 2021–2023 but totaled $485.3 million instead. The senior program cost $412.3 million, nearly double estimates. An additional $478 million has funded migrant services since 2023. Budget pressures have led to the termination of the adult program in 2025 as critics question Pritzker's spending priorities.

Albers is a resident of Morton Grove, IL and was appointed as the Niles Township GOP organization's president early in 2024. He recently ran for Illinois House seat #15 and is committed to boosting Republican voter turnout in Niles Township while growing its Republican membership and communicating Republican positions on issues important to local voters.