Democratic Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has directed a number of state agencies to review contracts with El Salvador as well as companies with ties to the country in the wake of the mistaken deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia in March. Pritzker announced on Wednesday, April 23, “a series of measures against El Salvador” over its “role in aiding the Trump administration’s defiance of court orders and violations of due process.”
In a statement Pritzker said, “no one should be deprived of life and liberty without due process of law.
“However, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was legally residing in the United States, did not receive any due process before the Trump administration illegally deported him to El Salvador,” Pritzker continued.
What happens now?
Pritzker told the state to look into whether its pensions are tied to El Salvador in any way, which includes retirement funds for university employees and public school teachers. He added the results of the audit will be handed into his office so it can identify any “fund investments” from companies linked to El Salvador’s government. Pritzker said he will determine if any legislative action needs to be taken.
Illinois’ pension funds held $218 billion worth of assets as of the end of the state’s 2023 fiscal year.
The governor said the review will also entail identifying “state contracts awarded to companies” with any ties to El Salvador.
Pritzker also directed the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to look into trade with the country, “Before taking any actions that could have economic impacts against El Salvador.”
What is El Salvador’s role in Abrego Garcia’s deportation?
Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele supported President Donald Trump’s argument that the federal government cannot return Abrego Garcia to the U.S.
Bukele refused to release Abrego Garcia from a prison in his country, calling the idea “preposterous” during a visit to the White House.
What is the Trump administration saying?
The Trump administration refuted Pritzker’s statement that Abrego Garcia was in the country legally and alleged that he was a member of the gang MS-13, an assertion denied by Abrego Garcia’s wife and legal team.
The Trump administration admitted Abrego Garcia was wrongfully deported due to a “clerical error” but argued he should not be welcomed back to the United States.
How have other Democrats responded?
Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md., visited Abrego Garcia in El Salvador during the week of April 13.
Van Hollen reportedly believes the best way for states to show support for Abrego Garcia is by cutting financial ties with El Salvador to pressure its government to bring Abrego Garcia back to the U.S.
