Illinois Governor Pritzker Threatens Boycott of El Salvador Over Trump Deportation Drama

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has put El Salvador in the hot seat, ordering a statewide review of investments and business ties in response to the Central American country’s cooperation with former President Trump’s administration on the deportation of criminal undocumented migrants.

Pritzker’s move comes after the controversial detention of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a suspected MS-13 gang member linked to human trafficking and domestic violence allegations. The Governor accused the Trump administration of blatantly ignoring court orders and eroding constitutional rights, promising that Illinois would "stand up for the Rule of Law" and push back against what he calls an attack on basic rights.

As part of the plan, Pritzker wants the Illinois State Board of Investment, the State Universities Retirement System, and the Teachers’ Retirement System to comb through their funds for any investments connected to El Salvador or its businesses. The state’s Department of Central Management Services is also on the case, hunting down contracts with Salvadoran ties, while the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity will analyze just how deep Illinois’ trade relationship with El Salvador goes. If you thought your Illinois-made products were drama-free, think again.

This high-stakes standoff is unfolding as at least five Democratic lawmakers traveled to El Salvador hoping to meet with Abrego Garcia. Only Senator Chris Van Hollen from Maryland pulled it off; the rest got the Salvadoran government’s cold shoulder. Meanwhile, the U.S. Supreme Court told the administration to help bring Abrego Garcia back, but El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has made it clear: he’s not budging.

The record on Abrego Garcia is, to put it mildly, messy. He was deported from Maryland after being accused of gang and trafficking connections. His wife has alleged domestic violence, and Homeland Security flagged him for possible human trafficking after he was pulled over in Tennessee with eight passengers in the car—and he’d only had his driver’s license three days. The SUV he was driving? Reportedly owned by a confessed human smuggler. Not your average family road trip.

Democrats argue that Abrego Garcia was denied due process, but the Trump camp says otherwise. As for El Salvador, they’re digging in their heels, leaving Illinois officials to decide just how far they’re willing to go to make their point.