Illinois Accountability Commission
Board and Commission Details
Contact Name
Jim Bennett
Contact Title
The Illinois Department of Human Rights
Function
The purpose of the Commission is to: (1) create a public record of the conduct of federal agents during “Operation Midway Blitz” and the Trump Administration’s military-style operations throughout the Chicagoland area; (2) examine the impact of that conduct on individuals and communities; and (3) consider policy recommendations to prevent future harm to these individuals and communities. As part of this work, the Commission shall: a. Determine the extent and the manner to which the Commission can gather publicly-available videos documenting the actions of federal officers—including agents of US DHS components (such as Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection) and other federal agents working in coordination with US DHS—during “Operation Midway Blitz”; b. Explore ways to gather additional information and documentation of the actions of federal law enforcement and the impact of those actions, including through testimony. In doing this, the Commission shall consider and take all possible steps to avoid any potential reprisals from the federal government against individuals providing information to the Commission. c. Analyze the documented conduct of federal officers during “Operation Midway Blitz” and identify conduct requiring the most urgent corrective action and remediation based on its impact on the community and the egregiousness of the conduct. d. Create a public record, including through public hearings, to document the conduct of federal officers during “Operation Midway Blitz” and its impact on Illinois residents. e. Make recommendations for law or policy changes to ensure greater protection for Illinois residents from violations of their rights and to ensure community safety. f. Provide, not later than January 31, 2026, an initial status report outlining its findings and recommendations to the Governor, and, not later than April 30, 2026, any supplementary reports the Commission deems appropriate; and h. Refer, as appropriate, information or reports of potential violations of law to the agencies or entities responsible for investigating or enforcing such violations. In addition to support from the Department of Human Rights, the Commission may, as it determines appropriate, work with subject matter experts, as well as non-profit organizations, to ensure it has access to appropriate staffing and expertise to conduct its review and analysis of the actions of federal law enforcement.
Term
The term of each Commission member shall expire one year from the date of their appointment. Commissioners may be reappointed or replaced at the pleasure of the Governor.
Senate Confirmation
No
Compensation
serve without compensation
Composition
Commission shall be composed of a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, and up to seven (7) additional members, for a total membership of up to nine (9) Commission members. All Commission members shall be appointed by the Governor. The Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and the Commission members shall serve without compensation.
Chair
appointed by the Governor
Authority
Executive Order 2025-06
Member Names
| Name | Member Expiration | Member Since | Affiliation | Appointed By | Position | Title | County |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Austriaco, Aurora | 10/23/2026 | 10/23/2025 | Governor | Member | |||
| Holmes, Patricia Brown | 10/23/2026 | 10/23/2025 | Governor | Member, Vice Chair | |||
| Gzesh, Susan | 10/23/2026 | 10/23/2025 | Governor | Member | |||
| Tortolero, Linda Xóchitl | 10/23/2026 | 10/23/2025 | Governor | Member | |||
| Sam, Cindy | 10/23/2026 | 10/23/2025 | Governor | Member | |||
| Arce, Jimmy L. | 11/05/2026 | 11/05/2025 | Governor | Member | |||
| Castillo, Rubén | 10/23/2026 | 10/23/2025 | Governor | Member, Chair | |||
| Estrada, Ricardo | 11/05/2026 | 11/05/2025 | Governor | Member | |||
| Vacant | Governor | Member |