By Greg Bishop | The Center Square
The Center Square

(The Center Square) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that two vehicles were used as weapons against Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers in the Chicago metro area Thursday.

The separate incidents happened in Bensenville and the other in Norridge. DHS said Friday morning two illegal aliens deliberately tried to ram and injure officers enforcing the law. The suspects are in custody with removal proceedings pending.

“Thankfully none of our law enforcement was killed because of these deranged criminals’ attacks on law enforcement,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “This is exactly what happens when Governor [J.B.] Pritzker, Mayor [Brandon] Johnson, and other sanctuary politicians demonize ICE and encourage illegal aliens to resist law enforcement.”

McLaughlin noted ICE officers are facing a more than 1,000% increase in assaults.

Earlier this week, Pritzker said federal officers crossed the line with protesters last weekend.

“Without provocation and acting like Jackbooted thugs. Ice has attacked and detained members of the press, including an independent journalist,” Pritzker said Monday.

House Minority Leader Tony McCombie, R-Savanna, said the governor has been egging on conflict.

“Let me repeat that. Our governor called law enforcement jackbooted thugs,” McCombie said. “He went further, urging Illinoisans to fight with everything we have.”

Pritzker said to protest peacefully.

“Look, I think it’s fine to be in opposition to the president’s views and opposition to the president’s policies,” Pritzker said Tuesday. “There’s nothing that incites people about that.”

He said Republicans are the ones inciting tension by calling Democrats names.

McCombie said the governor should tell the protesters and anyone approached by ICE to cooperate.

“Why is he sending citizens into a battleground?” she asked.

Pritzker said the state is helping local law enforcement to get things like gas masks in anticipation of more unrest.

Thursday evening, Illinois State Police announced they’re joining forces with law enforcement and emergency managers from Cook County and the village of Broadview in anticipation of weekend protests.

The announcement included a map with parameters drawn around protest areas, media areas and a safety lane to allow emergency vehicle access. ISP said the goal is to enable peaceful expression of first amendment rights and they will not assist nor obstruct enforcement of federal immigration statutes.

“Uniformed officers will be on site to help direct people to the designated areas,” the ISP announcement said. “In addition to protecting the safety and rights of people peacefully expressing their views, these measures will also ensure that third parties that need access to the facility – including attorneys and legal representatives, people bringing medicine to detainees, and representatives from foreign consulates – will maintain clear points of access to the facility.”