Pritzker to Defend Illinois Sanctuary Policies Before GOP Lawmakers

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is scheduled to appear before a panel of Republican lawmakers on Thursday to address the state's sanctuary policies. He will be joined by other Democratic governors facing similar scrutiny.

Pritzker plans to defend Illinois' approach, citing the absence of federal assistance in managing the border crisis. He intends to criticize border state governors and mayors, accusing them of using immigrants as political tools rather than upholding American values. Specifically, he will call out Republican Governors Greg Abbott of Texas and Ron DeSantis of Florida for their actions of transporting immigrants to northern cities and states.

The governor will emphasize the strain on Illinois' resources due to a lack of federal support. He will highlight the state's efforts to support new arrivals, including providing shelter, housing, and opportunities for economic contribution.

Pritzker will also address public safety, noting investments in law enforcement and citing statistics that show a decrease in violent crime during his tenure. He will reiterate his stance against violent criminals, regardless of immigration status, and clarify that Illinois law allows cooperation with federal immigration officers on criminal warrants.

He is expected to state that federal officials are welcome in Illinois but that the state will not divert resources when it is not in the state's best interest. Pritzker will also share his family's history, which includes fleeing persecution in Ukraine. He will urge Congress to reform the immigration system to provide opportunities for law-abiding immigrant families. The governor will conclude by arguing that border security and immigration reform can be achieved simultaneously.