Democratic Leaders Mobilize Against Trump While Navigating the Complex Issue of Criminal Immigrants

The Resistance might appear to be a mere shadow of its former self from the days of Donald Trump’s initial term — yet it still possesses considerable power, leaving ambitious Democratic politicians in a tough spot as they navigate the border crisis while eyeing the 2026 and 2028 elections.

Take Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who’s gearing up for a re-election battle in 2026 and is eyeing the White House beyond that.

This outspoken billionaire has already inflicted significant harm on his state with his progressive policies.

And he shows no signs of slowing down!

Pritzker recently provided a bizarre defense for his decision to disregard federal law and halt certain deportation efforts initiated by the president.

“There’s a law in Illinois that mandates our local law enforcement will support law-abiding undocumented individuals in our state,” stated Pritzker.

What? “Law-abiding” illegal immigrants? That concept doesn’t exist: They entered the country unlawfully.

Meanwhile, the hotel heir has shifted to support expelling “asylum seekers” who commit “other” crimes.

However, Pritzker isn’t the only state leader engaging in cynical political maneuvering surrounding immigration to enhance their electability.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey, regarded as one of the most progressive figures on the East Coast (and that’s quite a title), is also preparing for a potential run in 2026.

She has articulated a contradictory stance akin to Pritzker’s, mentioning last fall, “I still remain opposed to efforts that target large segments of the undocumented population who’ve done nothing wrong aside from being here without lawful status.”

However, with reports of sex offenders among illegal migrants in her state, and a Haitian individual who boasted he would never return, Healey is now conceding that it’s essential to deport noncitizen rapists, killers, and thieves.

Then, there’s the major player: California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Newsom has gone to great lengths to establish himself as an opponent of Trump; he requested $50 million from the legislature to fund so-called “Trump-proofing” initiatives in California — focusing heavily on combating deportations.

While the bills for the funding passed the state Senate, during Assembly hearings, Republicans moved to block the legislation — which led to a retreat from Newsom’s fellow Democrats, leaving the funding’s future uncertain. Party leaders are reportedly demanding alterations to ensure that not a single dollar goes to benefit criminal illegal migrants.

This demonstrates that they understand — despite their rhetoric — that Americans are fed up.

They are attempting to appease the open-border activists who shape Biden’s policies and still have significant influence within the national arena and in deep-blue states, yet they also need to comfort ordinary voters that they don’t intend to go full tilt in the direction of Biden.

Expect this uncomfortable balancing act to persist. But make no mistake.

A refusal to take a strong, public stand against all illegal immigration was a key factor that cost Democrats control of both Congress and the White House.

Trying to replicate the Biden approach with minor adjustments while claiming to target the “bad ones” will only assure them of further defeats.