On the morning of Governor J.B. Pritzker’s appearance before the House Oversight Committee, Congressman Jim Jordan joined Chicago’s Morning Answer to discuss a growing concern that is largely absent from mainstream political debate: who is funding the increasingly organized and often violent protests erupting across American cities?
Jordan, who chairs the House Judiciary Committee and represents Ohio’s 4th Congressional District, zeroed in on individuals like Roy Singham, a former Chicago tech entrepreneur turned global left-wing financier. Singham, now based in China, has reportedly funneled tens of millions of dollars into activist groups with ties to violent protests, anti-police rhetoric, and even pro-Hamas events. According to Jordan, these financial networks are professionalizing street protests, equipping demonstrators with printed signs, shields, and logistics support—while mayors and governors look the other way.
“This isn’t spontaneous protest,” Jordan said. “This is agitprop, coordinated and financed by people who want to undermine American law enforcement and institutions.”
As examples, he pointed to violent demonstrations in Los Angeles and the summer 2020 riots, noting how bricks, projectiles, and firebombs didn’t materialize by accident. While left-wing politicians like Karen Bass and Nancy Pelosi have acknowledged the presence of “outside agitators,” Jordan said it’s time to go further and follow the money.
Jordan was especially critical of sanctuary policies in states like Illinois, saying they create conditions that embolden bad actors. He highlighted how cities routinely refuse to cooperate with ICE, ignoring detainer requests and releasing criminals who are in the country illegally—forcing federal agents to apprehend them in public, often at greater risk to everyone involved.
“You’re making law enforcement’s job harder and putting communities at risk,” Jordan said. “It’s the exact opposite of common-sense governance.”
The Ohio congressman noted that the Biden administration’s rollback of immigration enforcement led to a crisis that is now being addressed by new efforts under a second Trump administration. Jordan praised the work being done by ICE and former acting director Tom Homan, who is helping implement changes to reduce the immigration court backlog and prioritize the deportation of dangerous individuals.
But he emphasized that stopping the flow of new illegal entrants is the first and most critical step.
“We can’t fix the backlog if we’re still adding to it every day,” Jordan said.
With more than 3.6 million immigration cases awaiting adjudication, Jordan also called for structural reforms, including more judges, updated asylum protocols, and increased detention capacity. However, he warned that none of it matters if states and cities refuse to cooperate with federal law.
He also addressed the broader cultural and political climate surrounding these issues. Jordan criticized what he called the “normal versus crazy” divide that characterizes current debates—from calls to defund the police to attempts to normalize violence under the banner of social justice. In his view, Democratic leaders are not just turning a blind eye—they’re signaling tacit approval.
“When the mayors and governors don’t crack down, it sends a message: ‘We’re on your side,’” he said. “That’s why things spiral out of control.”
Jordan said today’s Oversight hearing is a crucial opportunity to get answers directly from governors like Pritzker and Tim Walz. He encouraged members of the committee to let them speak at length about their policies.
“The more they talk, the more they reveal,” Jordan said. “Let them explain how sanctuary states are helping anyone, because the American people aren’t buying it.”
As protests loom over the upcoming “No Kings Day” and sanctuary cities brace for potential unrest, Jordan warned that without real accountability, professional agitators will continue to exploit the system—with funding, cover, and permission from political leaders unwilling to draw a line.
Governor Pritzker is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee later today. Jordan, along with other Republican members, is expected to press him on both immigration enforcement and the role of activist funding in street-level unrest.