CHICAGO — Governor J.B. Pritzker is set to testify before the U.S. House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform on Wednesday, June 12, alongside New York and Minnesota governors, in a hearing focused on state-level sanctuary immigration policies.
As reported by Just The News, the hearing comes as states like Illinois defend their laws barring cooperation with federal immigration authorities — just as tensions flare nationwide.
Recent unrest in Los Angeles, where protests over immigration enforcement escalated into riots, has pushed the issue further into the national spotlight.
Governor Says Illinois Policy Stems From Federal Failure
Pritzker hasn’t directly commented on the L.A. clashes, but last week he previewed what he plans to tell lawmakers:
“Happy to tell them how we here in Illinois have laws on the books that are a result, by the way, of their failure in Washington to deal with comprehensive immigration reform,” Pritzker said.
Illinois law prohibits state and local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration actions — a core feature of the state’s sanctuary status.
National Guard Moves Spark Accusations Of Overreach
In response to the protests, former President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard. But California Gov. Gavin Newsom denounced the action as unconstitutional.
“He is creating fear and terror to take over a state militia… This is an unmistakable step toward authoritarianism,” Newsom posted on X.
GOP Senate Candidate Slams Sanctuary States
Illinois Republican Senate candidate Pamela Denise Long backed Trump’s actions and said sanctuary jurisdictions are undermining law enforcement.
“The federal government has to take a stand… You cannot come here and be unlawful and try to harm our law enforcement agents,” she told The Center Square.
Durbin Defends Chicago, Opposes Crackdown
Senator Dick Durbin said the recent immigration enforcement actions in Chicago diverted police resources from violent crime and narcotics work.
“Individuals with no record of dangerous crime are being rounded up at great expense and removed even when they are awaiting a court hearing,” Durbin said.
What Do You Think About Sanctuary Policy In Illinois?
Should the state uphold its sanctuary protections, or cooperate more with federal agents? Share your thoughts now on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
