Cook County Leaders Issue Statement on Misleading Federal Remarks on Crime and Safety

Cook County, IL (August 12, 2025) -- The Trump administration has announced a series of troubling plans that put more federal troops in our nation’s capitol. The administration also attacked Chicago and other municipalities for pretrial reform, vowing to reverse legislation eliminating the use of cash bail, and misstating trends in crime and violence. 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.  

Over the past three years, we have worked across levels of government to invest in community safety and fund evidence-based community violence intervention work at unprecedented levels. These investments have been followed by historic reductions in gun violence and almost all types of crime. 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. 

Nearly two years ago, Illinois was the first state to end money bail and implement a more fair, safe and effective pretrial system. 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. 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. 

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.