Will County Gazette

As Illinois braces for a new wave of demonstrations linked to the “No Kings” movement, Will County Republican Central Committee Chairman Christina Clausen is calling for a strong response from law enforcement and more responsible leadership from state officials.

“This is a reflection of just how divided our country has become,” she told Will County Gazette. “The left is increasingly embracing performative outrage while targeting institutions they claim to oppose. These protests, happening during a time of economic hardship, open borders, and increased political pressure, are only adding fuel to the fire.” 

The protests follow June 10’s anti-ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) protest in Chicago quickly turned violent. 

Rioters allegedly defaced a Tesla with swastikas, damaged monuments, vandalized police vehicles and attacked officers. 

Witnesses described coordinated efforts to overwhelm law enforcement—tactics that some fear may be repeated in the suburbs.

Clausen argues that the wave of protests is not just about expression but part of a calculated political strategy.

“What’s happening here is bigger than a protest—it’s part of a broader agenda to intimidate, distract, and divide,” Clausen said. “As Republicans, we’re focused on restoring law and order, protecting our freedoms, and holding the line against radical agendas. Stay safe, stay smart, and stay focused.” 

Clausen issued strong words for Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who has faced growing criticism from Republicans for what they see as an insufficient response to civil unrest.

“Political leaders have a responsibility to bring people together—not incite them,” Clausen said.  “The Governor’s tone is reckless and irresponsible. People absolutely have the right to protest, but leadership should be calling for peace, not unrest. We should be focusing on solutions, not spectacle.” 

In the days before the protests, Pritzker faced fierce criticism from congressional Republicans during a U.S. House Oversight Committee hearing, where he defended Illinois’ protections for undocumented immigrants and accused GOP leaders of politicizing the migrant crisis. 

The controversy peaked as Rep. James Comer blamed Pritzker for turning Chicago into a “haven for drugs and crimes.” 

Pritzker’s administration has committed a total of $638 million in taxpayer funds to address Chicago’s migrant crisis, including a new $160 million plan for shelter, intake processing, and job assistance. Critics have characterized the spending as a misuse of resources, arguing it diverts funds from essential services and burdens taxpayers already facing over $2 billion in costs for healthcare benefits provided to undocumented immigrants.

The protests, set to unfold across multiple Illinois communities including locally in Joliet and Naperville on Saturday, June 14, follow a violent anti-ICE rally in Chicago just days earlier that left public property defaced, officers assaulted, and 17 individuals arrested.  

Organizers behind the upcoming demonstrations claim to be advocating for justice and immigrant rights, but critics, including Clausen, say the movement is sowing chaos at a volatile time for the country.

“I trust that our law enforcement agencies are prepared, but preparation is only part of it—enforcement matters too,” Clausen said. “If these protests turn destructive, arrests must be made. The Constitution protects the right to peaceful assembly, not the right to destroy property or harm others.” 

Critics have also drawn comparisons to the 2020 BLM riots, which led to 15 deaths in Chicago alone, over 284 police officers injured, more than 1,100 arrests and property damage exceeding $66 million. 

Many suburban officials and conservative voices are bracing for similar unrest this weekend.