North Cook News

Mark Albers, the Niles Township GOP President, has criticized Governor JB Pritzker's focus on attacking President Trump rather than addressing crises in Illinois. Albers expressed his views to North Cook News, stating that this approach reveals leadership that is out of touch and justifies the president's call for accountability.

"Governor J.B. Pritzker seems more interested in ridiculing the president than addressing the real problems plaguing Illinois," said Albers. "Under his leadership, federal immigration laws are ignored, law enforcement is undermined, and illegal immigration has surged. Public services are overwhelmed, crime is rising, and taxpayers are footing the bill for programs aimed at non-citizens. With the state unraveling, Trump's demand for accountability is not only reasonable—it's necessary."

According to Capitol News Illinois, Governor Pritzker commented on October 8 regarding President Trump's calls for legal repercussions after Pritzker refused to provide protection to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Illinois. In response, Pritzker said, "Come and get me." The governor has addressed Trump directly in public statements, calling him "unhinged" and a "dictator" during an interview in Chicago on the same day.

President Trump posted on Truth Social on October 8, stating that both the Chicago Mayor and Governor Pritzker should face imprisonment for failing to protect ICE officers.

Wirepoints reported that while Governor Pritzker has criticized Trump's deportation plans, Illinois faces challenges related to its sanctuary policies. The state hosts 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 includes $400 million for migrant students in Chicago Public Schools. The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimates total state and local costs at $3.9 billion.

The Illinois Policy Institute highlighted 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 cost $485.3 million from 2021–2023, far above initial estimates of $126.4 million. The senior program cost $412.3 million, nearly double projections. An additional $478 million has been allocated to 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 resides in Morton Grove, IL and was appointed as Niles Township GOP President early in 2024. He recently ran for an Illinois House seat (#15) and is focused on increasing Republican voter turnout in Niles Township.