In a fiery confrontation during a press conference, Real America’s Voice correspondent Ben Bergquam and Terry Newsome of the Behind Enemy Lines podcast put Illinois Governor JB Pritzker on the spot. This occurred while the Governor, alongside Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, was attempting to rally against President Trump’s recent initiatives aimed at tackling sanctuary cities and addressing the rampant illegal immigration challenges.
Held at a West Side lighting manufacturing plant, the press event was supposed to focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, as the Governor and Mayor pledged their continued opposition to Trump’s intensified immigration policies. These policies include planned mass deportations and the dismantling of federal DEI programs, which Trump signed into effect through a recent Memorandum. Over 300 violent offenders, including notorious criminals like murderers and child rapists, have reportedly been apprehended under these enforcement efforts, marking a significant step in President Trump’s commitment to upholding law and order.
Ben Bergquam, known for his assertive reporting and dedication to exposing the truth about illegal immigration and its consequences, questioned Pritzker directly. He asked how much taxpayer money has been spent on supporting illegal immigrants in Chicago and beyond, highlighting the recent email from Mayor Johnson that suggested even more funds would be allocated for their protection, potentially neglecting the needs of American citizens, especially in vulnerable communities on the West and South Sides of Chicago.
“Governor, real quick, the amount of money that you’ve spent on harboring illegals over the last four years and protecting them now, and after Mayor Johnson’s email that just went out yesterday, saying they’re going to spend more money on protecting illegals at the expense of the American citizens, in particular, the west side and the south side; we’ve got representatives here. I’ve got Bob Israel here. Why not invest that money there?” Bergquam questioned pointedly, further attempting to hold Pritzker accountable by pressing him on compliance with federal law, “Are you prepared to be arrested if you don’t follow President Trump’s orders?”
Unfazed, Pritzker responded with a dismissive laugh, barely addressing the pressing concerns highlighted by Bergquam and the valid fears of residents affected by illegal immigration in Illinois. Pritzker’s brief and clichéd retort was, “We follow the law in the state of Illinois. I’m very concerned that Donald Trump and the federal government is not going to be following the law. Indeed, they have proposed getting rid of birthright citizenship for many families.”
‼️JUST NOW in Chicago‼️
Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson get hammered buy real journalists (aka me and @TerryNewsome357) after bragging about spending $10 million on local small businesses while spending $ billions protecting illegal aliens! These criminals need to be… pic.twitter.com/qmhDT6ra36
— Ben Bergquam – Real America’s Voice (RAV-TV) News (@BenBergquam) January 23, 2025
The questions only grew more intense as Newsome inquired about potential collaborations with ICE concerning criminal groups like the Tren De Aragua and the ongoing issues with Venezuelan migrants. Despite the growing tension and urgency from the press, the Governor and Mayor evaded further questioning, choosing to end the conference abruptly, with Bergquam rightfully persisting in his pursuit of accountability.
Bergquam demanded clarity on financial transparency regarding allegations of possible funding from cartels. However, Pritzker, avoiding any real engagement, skipped away from the questions, leaving critical issues unanswered.
h/t: Steadfast and Loyal
