Senators Rick Scott (R-FL) and Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) introduced a resolution in the Senate on Thursday to formally condemn what they describe as “despicable, violent attacks” against federal law enforcement officers in Chicago and the state of Illinois.
The resolution, which addresses escalating violence and obstruction aimed at agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), holds state and local officials responsible for what the senators characterize as a failure to maintain law and order and a refusal to cooperate with federal agencies.
Condemning Violence and ‘Soft-on-Crime’ Policies
Senator Scott explicitly pointed the blame at local leaders, stating, “It’s disgusting to see violence against our federal law enforcement officers in Chicago, enabled by a soft-on-crime mayor and governor.” Scott asserted that elected officials should be condemning the violence, not “cheering it on,” and praised President Donald Trump’s decision to deploy federal help to the area.
“These hardworking officers are just doing their jobs to keep others safe — they don’t deserve the hateful rhetoric and violence against them,” Scott added.
‘Protecting Illegal Aliens and Violent Criminals’
Senator Blackburn echoed Scott, arguing that “radical left officials in Illinois and Chicago have chosen to protect illegal aliens and violent criminals instead of law-abiding Americans and law enforcement officers.”
She contended that the refusal of local leadership to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement has endangered communities, empowered criminals, and exposed agents to attacks.
The resolution itself references a significant increase in violent crime in Chicago, including 5,220 homicides between 2017 and 2024, comparing the situation to a “combat zone.” It also condemns “pro-criminal prosecutorial policies” implemented in Cook County, citing a dramatic rise in both homicides and retail theft due to relaxed standards.
Resolution Calls for Federal Authority
The formal resolution (S. Res. ll) seeks to:
- Condemn all attacks on federal law enforcement in Illinois.
- Recognize that the State of Illinois and City of Chicago governments have “failed in their fundamental obligation to protect their residents.”
- Commend federal law enforcement for their “heroic work.”
- Reaffirm the federal government’s exclusive authority to regulate and enforce immigration laws.
- Support all necessary measures to protect federal personnel and facilities from violence, intimidation, and obstruction.
The senators argue that certain state and local governments are operating under a “distorted understanding of federalism,” expecting federal funding while rejecting any reciprocal obligation to cooperate with law enforcement, which they claim leads to rampant violent crime…