Durbin statement on DOJ threat to Chicago violence prevention funding

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), Ranking Member of the Senate Immigration Subcommittee, today issued the following statement after U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the Department of Justice (DOJ) will attempt to deny Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grants (“Byrne-JAG”) to communities that refuse to cooperate with the Trump Administration’s deportation agenda:

“Attorney General Sessions now threatens to stop the federal funds our police use to fight gun violence in Chicago. This dangerous and irresponsible decision is an effort by the Trump Administration to pressure local communities to join in deporting undocumented immigrants, even if they pose no threat to their communities.”

Since 2009, the City of Chicago and Cook County have received $58,135,399 in Byrne-JAG grants. In a letter to President Trump in February, Sens. Durbin and Duckworth urged him to provide a surge in federal support and resources for Chicago to reduce violence and expand economic opportunities for neglected communities.

More like this:

Pritzker Says Court Conclusion in Illinois v. Trump Confirms National Guard Deployment Was Illegal

Apr 20, 2026

Governor Pritzker Demands Accountability Following Hearings On Operation Midway Blitz

Apr 29, 2026

Illinois Federation Of Teachers Blasts FY27 Budget Proposal For Underfunding Education

Yesterday

Attorney General Raoul Urges Court To Uphold Block On Unlawful National Guard Deployment In Washington, D.c.

May 27, 2026

Pritzker Accuses Trump of Diverting $1.8 Billion to Allies and Jan. 6 Defendants

May 19, 2026