East Central Reporter

State Rep. Brad Halbrook (R-Shelbyville) says the destruction of property and assaults on law enforcement prove that Chicago's anti-ICE protests cannot be deemed "mostly peaceful." 

Seventeen protesters were arrested in connection with the riot, which resulted in police cars, federal buildings and public monuments vandalized; a Tesla defaced with swastikas and the assault multiple police officers. 

“There is no such thing as a ‘mostly’ peaceful protest,” Halbrook told East Central Reporter. “It is either peaceful or it isn’t. So far, these demonstrations have turned violent. Property is being destroyed. Law enforcement officials are being attacked. I support the right of free speech, but violence is not free speech.” 

The riots came after days of unrest following ICE enforcement actions in Los Angeles. 

“The federal government should not have to step in and solve this problem,” Halbrook said. “The political leaders in Chicago and California should be able to do the right thing. They know how to solve this problem, but they are refusing to do it.” 

Halbrook also accused the Democratic Party of enabling lawlessness and ignoring the public’s demand for immigration enforcement. 

“The far-left has hijacked the Democratic party,” he said. “The Democrats are actively promoting lawlessness. The country understands the difference between legal immigration and illegal immigration. The nation wants our border laws enforced but the Democrats would rather placate their radical base than serve the interests of the country.” 

Amid growing scrutiny, questions are now being raised about who might be financing these protests. 

Neville “Roy” Singham, a former Chicago tech entrepreneur with longstanding ties to communist ideology and the Chinese Communist Party, has emerged as a key backer. 

Singham’s organization, the People’s Forum, funds the Party for Socialism and Liberation (PSL), which reportedly provided protest materials. 

U.S. Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) has urged the Justice Department to investigate Singham and his wife, Jodie Evans, founder of Code Pink, over allegations that they may be acting as unregistered foreign agents.

This controversy coincides with intense criticism of Gov. JB Pritzker’s administration for allocating $638 million in taxpayer funds toward Chicago’s migrant crisis, including a $160 million plan aimed at shelter and job assistance. 

Opponents argue this spending diverts critical resources from vulnerable Illinois residents already struggling with public services and rising costs.

Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson faces a historic low approval rating of just 6%, as public frustration mounts over rising crime, fiscal management and public safety.

Halbrook questioned whether police would be empowered to respond to further unrest amid political constraints.  

“I think our police officers have the training they need to deal with potentially violent protests, but the question is, will they be allowed to do their job?” Halbrook said. “Brandon Johnson and JB Pritzker could make this a much more difficult situation for law enforcement to handle if law enforcement is not allowed to do their job.” 

The political climate remains charged following Pritzker’s late April speech in Manchester, N.H., where he called for persistent protests and disruptions against Republicans. 

"These Republicans cannot know a moment of peace," he said at the time. "They have to know we will fight their cruelty with every megaphone and microphone that we have. We must castigate them on the soapbox and then punish them at the ballot box."

“JB Pritzker is running for President, and he is cozying up to his base which is why he will do nothing to protect Illinois citizens,” Halbrook said. 

Images from the June 10 anti-ICE protest in Chicago. (Terry Newsome)