Importance Score: 70 / 100 🔴
Illinois to Review Ties with El Salvador Over Deportation Case
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, declared on Wednesday that he will direct several state agencies to re-evaluate their connections to El Salvador. This decision follows concerns over what his office termed the nation’s “aiding of the Trump administration’s unlawful and unconstitutional actions” in a high-profile deportation case. The state’s actions aim to address concerns relating to El Salvador investments and state procurement contracts, signaling a potential shift in economic relations and underscoring Illinois’s commitment to constitutional rights.
Pritzker Condemns Erosion of Constitutional Rights
“The United States Constitution guarantees due process. We are witnessing Donald Trump erode our fundamental Constitutional rights in real-time, and we must fight to restore the balance of power. The State of Illinois will stand up for the Rule of Law and do everything in our power to stop the Trump administration from ripping apart our most basic rights,” Pritzker stated, highlighting the importance of defending constitutional principles. Pritzker’s strong stance has positioned him as a potential figure on the national stage, particularly considering speculation about a possible 2028 presidential bid.
State Actions: Pension Funds and Procurement Contracts
Pritzker’s office released a statement indicating specific actions initiated by the state:
- Pension Fund Review: Various Illinois pension funds have been instructed to examine whether they possess investments in companies based in El Salvador.
- Procurement Contract Evaluation: The Illinois Department of Central Management Services is tasked with assessing whether any state procurement contracts have been awarded to companies either based in or controlled by El Salvador.
The Abrego Garcia Deportation Case
The controversy stems from the case of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, whose deportation to El Salvador has ignited a debate over due process and human rights. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has sided with Trump on the matter.
Trump Administration’s Stance
The Trump administration acknowledges that Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador. However, they maintain that he is affiliated with the violent MS-13 gang, a claim disputed by Abrego Garcia’s wife and attorney.
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Bukele’s Refusal
U.S. officials have stated that Abrego Garcia’s custody in El Salvador prevents his return to the United States. President Bukele has publicly refused to release him.
“Of course, I’m not going to do it,” Bukele asserted to reporters during an Oval Office meeting with Trump this month. “The question is preposterous.”
Calls for Pressure on El Salvador
Senator Chris Van Hollen, a Democrat from Maryland, suggested potential strategies to influence Bukele’s decision. Following a visit to Abrego Garcia in El Salvador, Van Hollen proposed economic measures as leverage.
“There are also pressures we can put on the government of El Salvador, including through, you know, people deciding not to invest in El Salvador, Americans not traveling to El Salvador. So I think there are other pressure points,” he stated during an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press,” indicating that disinvesting from El Salvador could serve as a means of exerting pressure.