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Cook County officials have responded to recent statements and actions from the Trump administration regarding crime and public safety. The federal government has announced plans to increase the presence of federal troops in Washington, D.C., and criticized cities like Chicago for pretrial reforms, including efforts to eliminate cash bail. Federal leaders also pledged to reverse such legislation and made claims about rising crime.
Cook County leaders dispute these assertions, stating that their policies are based on data rather than misinformation. "The claims and strategies announced are ineffective and based on lies, not facts. In reality, Chicago and Cook County have emerged as leaders in implementing thoughtful and effective criminal justice policies that keep people safe and strengthen our communities," according to a statement from county officials.
Officials highlighted investments made over the past three years in community safety initiatives and violence intervention programs. They report significant decreases in gun violence: "In Cook County, we have seen a 35% drop in gun homicides from this time last year and a 45% drop in gun homicides from 2021. We are proud of this progress and are committed to studying the impact and sustaining the life-saving work taking place at the community level."
Illinois became the first state nearly two years ago to end money bail with the Pretrial Fairness Act, shifting toward a system where detention decisions depend on safety considerations rather than financial means. Officials say this reform is working as intended: "Almost two years after the Pretrial Fairness Act, we know our pretrial system is working. Rates of crime have stabilized or decreased and now, the serious decision of whether someone is held in jail while awaiting trial is based solely on safety and the facts of the case, not access to wealth."
Cook County leaders reaffirmed their commitment to evidence-based solutions for public safety while respecting constitutional rights: "In Cook County, we address our problems with evidence-backed solutions that keep people safe and respect their constitutional rights. We will continue to work together to improve our justice system and promote the safety and success of residents and communities of Cook County."
They also criticized what they described as divisive language from federal officials: "Policies need to be grounded in fact and solve actual problems. It is also critical that the leaders of our country respect the dignity and rights of all people they represent. The dehumanizing rhetoric used by the Trump administration is dangerous and divisive. In Cook County, we share a commitment to working together to address our shared challenges and upholding the American values of dignity, respect and equal justice for all."
