Former Illinois GOP Chairman and U.S. Senate candidate Don Tracy joined Chicago’s Morning Answer to discuss the state’s escalating conflict between local leaders and federal immigration authorities. Tracy, a lawyer and businessman, criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson for what he described as “open hostility” toward federal law enforcement and a refusal to cooperate on border security.
Tracy said the Trump administration is simply enforcing immigration law—something that once drew bipartisan consensus. “It wasn’t long ago that Democrats agreed you can’t have a real country without real borders,” he said, pointing out that former President Obama deported millions during his first term. “What changed is that the open-borders activists have taken over the Democratic Party. It’s not the same party it used to be.”
He argued that Illinois’ leadership has prioritized political grandstanding over public safety. “If Pritzker wants to be president someday, he’ll need to negotiate with Putin and Xi Jinping. But he’s afraid to negotiate with his own federal government on immigration enforcement. It’s absurd,” Tracy said.
Tracy contrasted Illinois with states like Tennessee, where cooperation between local and federal agencies has led to major successes. “Just last week in Memphis, federal and local law enforcement arrested over 500 gang members and rescued 30 missing children,” he noted. “Imagine what could happen in Chicago if local leaders worked with ICE instead of against them.”
He also took aim at Democratic rhetoric that portrays ICE and Border Patrol agents as “fascists” or “Gestapo.” “That language incites violence,” he said. “Law enforcement officers are out there protecting innocent people and finding missing children. They’re the real humanitarians.”
As a Republican Senate candidate challenging longtime Democrat Dick Durbin, Tracy said he’s ready for a difficult statewide race but believes Illinois voters are growing tired of one-party rule. “We haven’t elected a Republican senator since 2010, and every statewide office is held by Democrats from Cook County or Chicago,” he said. “The other 101 counties in Illinois deserve representation, too. It’s time to bring balance back.”
Tracy framed his campaign around protecting the American Dream, contrasting his business and legal background with what he called “career politicians looking for promotion.” “I’ve signed the front of a paycheck, not just the back,” he said. “My goal isn’t to grow the welfare state—it’s to restore opportunity and accountability.”