Hold onto your hats, folks -- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a staunch Democrat, just tossed a rare bouquet to President Donald Trump on national television, as Breitbart reports.

On Fox News Channel’s Special Report, Pritzker admitted that border crossings have notably declined since Trump took the reins, while still jabbing at the administration for not pushing harder on comprehensive immigration reform.

During his Thursday appearance, Pritzker didn’t shy away from giving credit where he thinks it’s due. “Since President Trump has taken office, we don’t have the problem that existed before with people coming across the border,” he said, as reported on “Special Report.” Well, that’s a refreshing change of tune from the usual partisan playbook, though it’s hard not to wonder if this is more political posturing than genuine praise.

Pritzker credits Trump on border

Before Trump’s tenure, Pritzker had publicly pressed President Joe Biden for federal assistance with border-related challenges. He even penned a very public letter pleading for help as Chicago grappled with an influx of migrants.

According to Pritzker, tens of thousands of individuals were shipped to Chicago by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, leaving the city scrambling to manage the situation. The governor didn’t hold back on his frustration, noting that federal support was virtually nonexistent during that time. It’s a fair critique -- cities shouldn’t be left to fend for themselves on issues of national scope.

Host Bret Baier tossed a curveball, asking Pritzker to name the best thing Trump has done since taking office. Pritzker’s response was a grudging nod to the border situation improving, though he quickly pivoted to what he sees as missed opportunities. That’s classic politics -- give a little, then swing with a critique.

Missed changes for immigration reform?

While acknowledging the drop in border crossings, Pritzker wasn’t ready to hand Trump a gold star. He argued that with control over Congress, the judiciary, and the White House, Trump had a golden opportunity to push for sweeping immigration reform. Why settle for stopgap measures when you could fix the system, right?

Pritzker questioned Trump’s approach, asking why the focus is on deploying troops, ICE, and CBP instead of crafting lasting legislative solutions. It’s a pointed jab -- enforcement is one thing, but without a solid policy framework, are we just kicking the can down the road?

“Look, I like that we have borders. We need borders, right?” Pritzker stated on Special Report, emphasizing a truth conservatives have long championed.

Governor says borders matter, but wants more

Continuing his thought, Pritzker added, “You don’t have a country if you don’t have borders.” He’s not wrong there -- secure boundaries are the backbone of national sovereignty, a principle that resonates deeply with those who prioritize law and order. But his call for unity on this issue feels a bit like wishing for unicorns in a polarized Washington.

Pritzker urged both Democrats and Republicans to rally around a new immigration bill, pointing out that it’s been four decades since the last major reform. That’s a long time to let a broken system fester, and conservatives might agree that it’s high time for action over rhetoric. Still, getting both sides to the table is easier said than done.

The governor’s frustration with federal inaction isn’t new, especially when it comes to Chicago bearing the brunt of migrant arrivals from Texas. While Pritzker’s willingness to credit Trump on border security is a surprise, it doesn’t erase the reality that local leaders often feel abandoned by D.C. on these pressing matters.

Chicago's struggles continue

Chicago’s plight, as described by Pritzker, paints a picture of a city overwhelmed by numbers it wasn’t prepared to handle. Conservatives might argue that states like Texas are simply redirecting a problem that the federal government should have solved long ago. It’s a messy situation, and pointing fingers doesn’t build shelters or fund resources.

Pritzker’s broader point about the need for bipartisan immigration reform is one that many on the right could get behind, provided it prioritizes security and rule of law over progressive open-border fantasies. His critique of Trump’s focus on enforcement over legislation raises a fair question: Why not aim for a permanent fix?

At the end of the day, Pritzker’s comments on Special Report offer a rare moment of cross-aisle acknowledgment, even if it’s laced with criticism. Border security has improved under Trump, by his account, but the fight for a comprehensive solution remains unfinished. Perhaps this is a nudge for conservatives to demand more from leadership -- not just strong borders, but a system that works for the long haul.