Chicago City Wire

Jeanne Ives, a former Illinois state representative, said that reports of large gun recoveries in Chicago highlight what she considers the failure of Governor J.B. Pritzker's firearm policies.

"I see Pritzker's crack down on gun ownership is working," said Jeanne M Ives.

According to the Illinois State Police (ISP), Illinois enacted the Protect Illinois Communities Act in January 2023. This legislation bans the sale and distribution of specified semiautomatic firearms and large-capacity magazines, requiring certain owners to file endorsement affidavits with the ISP. The ISP adopted implementation rules in February 2024, outlining regulated weapons, accessories, and registration timelines. Supporters argue that this framework aims to curb illegal possession while clarifying compliance procedures for lawful owners and dealers.

Chicago Police reported sustained high levels of firearm recoveries. In its "2024 in Review," the Chicago Police Department (CPD) said officers recovered 12,733 guns over the past 366 days—about 35 per day—marking the fourth consecutive year surpassing 12,000 gun recoveries and representing a 2% increase over all of 2023. Department summaries attribute these totals to targeted operations and partnerships, including gun turn-ins and transit initiatives, which together emphasize the city’s ongoing focus on illegal firearms.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) trace data show that 22,973 firearms were recovered and traced in Illinois in 2023. Pistols accounted for 18,544 traces, with 9mm being the most common caliber at 11,716. Chicago was identified as the top recovery city with 11,460 traced firearms. Source-state data list Illinois first with 9,147 recoveries, followed by Indiana with 2,796 and Missouri with 952. The average time-to-crime for Illinois recoveries was recorded at 6.28 years, slightly shorter than the national average of 6.76 years.

Ives is a Republican former member of the Illinois House from 2013 to 2019 representing the 42nd District. A West Point graduate and former U.S. Army officer, she built a reputation for fiscal discipline—declining a taxpayer-funded pension and health benefits—and for challenging entrenched leadership. Ives ran a competitive gubernatorial primary in 2018 and was the GOP nominee for Illinois’ 6th Congressional District in 2020.