Pritzker defends Illinois’ sanctuary laws, blasts Trump administration ‘abuses of power’

WASHINGTON (WGN) — Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday defended Illinois’ sanctuary laws before a House committee hearing and blasted the Trump administration for “abuses of power” amid a crackdown on undocumented immigrants that have spawned protests around the country, including in Chicago.

“Illinois follows the law, but let me be clear: we expect the federal government to follow the law too,” Pritzker told the Republican-led House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. “We will not participate in abuses of power. We will not violate court orders. We will not ignore the Constitution. We will not defy the Supreme Court, and we will not take away people’s rights to peacefully protest.”

Pritzker’s appearance before the body follows an April invitation from the committee’s Republican chairman, Rep. James Comer of Kentucky. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also appeared on invitation, with the trio of Democrats answering questions facing posters of undocumented immigrants charged with violent crimes.

Thursday’s hearing comes as scenes of unrest play out in Los Angeles amid the federal government’s mass deportation efforts. President Trump has threatened to withhold federal funds from ‘sanctuary’ cities and states.

The appearance on a national stage was a big moment for Pritzker, who’s been floated as a potential 2028 presidential candidate. The great-grandson of a Ukrainian immigrant, Pritzker used his opening statements to highlight Illinois’ diversity and discuss the work done to support migrants who were bussed to the state from the southern border.

“I have seen firsthand how states have had to shoulder the consequences of a broken immigration system,” Pritzker testified. “I’m proud of how we have responded by promoting public safety, treating people with dignity, supporting our economy and respecting the rule of law.”

To prepare for the appearance, Pritzker retained a Washington, D.C. law firm. A WGN source says the billionaire paid for their services out of his own pocket. He also got an assist from a former White House counsel to President Joe Biden.

Chicago’s policy that prevents city officials, including police officers, from cooperating with federal immigration authorities has been in place, in some form, for 40 years.

In 2017, Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner signed a bill which barred police from arresting anyone solely due to their immigration status. Pritzker signed further legislation in 2021 with additional protections.

The Department of Justice claims Illinois’ TRUST Act and Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance are invalid due to the Supremacy Clause.

Illinois Republicans have been fundraising off Pritzker’s appearance, pointing to a study showing the state spent more than $1 billion on health care for undocumented immigrants over the last five years.

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