Gov. Pritzker signs executive order on federal deployments

(NewsNation) — Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker signed an executive order on Thursday in response to federal deployments in the state.

"Today I'm signing an executive order creating the Illinois Accountability Commission. A body dedicated to truth, transparency and justice," Pritzker said.

This comes amid rising tensions in the state as demonstrators call for more accountability from federal agents conducting ICE operations. Pritzker said the commission will have three core missions: creating a public record of the abuses, capturing the impact on families and communities and recommending actions to prevent further harm and to pursue justice.

"It is imperative that none of the impropriety, brutality and harassment perpetrated upon our people goes unnoticed," Pritzker said. "Every instance of abuse, of law breaking and violations of rights needs to be documented and archived."

Rubén Castillo, a former federal judge, has been tasked with leading the commission. Castillo said the commission is focus on upholding the constitution and civil rights. He asked the public to remain patient at the commission begins to review video evidence of federal agent misconduct.

"Be peaceful, you can protest, but it needs to be peaceful," Castillo said.

Earlier this month, an Illinois judge ordered federal officers to wear body cameras during immigration operations, citing growing concerns over clashes with protesters outside an ICE processing facility in Broadview. U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis issued the order, saying she was startled by reports that agents used tear gas during confrontations with the public. 

A Justice Department attorney said not all officers are equipped with cameras and that the ongoing government shutdown would make it difficult to comply.

"I do want to say to people who are ICE agents today or CBP, people who are holding higher office, secretaries in the administration, that if they do not follow the law, they will be held accountable," Pritzker said. "And there will be archives and records of what happened here."