Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is preparing to defend his state’s sanctuary policies during a Thursday hearing before GOP lawmakers, marking a significant test of his administration’s stance on immigration. In prepared remarks obtained by Fox News Digital, Pritzker will argue that his administration was compelled to act due to federal inaction in addressing the border crisis. This comes amid growing tensions over the role of state governments in immigration policy, with several Democratic governors facing scrutiny for their continued support of sanctuary policies.
Pritzker’s prepared remarks will highlight the strain on state resources, claiming federal support was lacking from both Republicans and Democrats during the crisis. He will accuse certain border state governors and mayors of abandoning the nation’s highest ideals by using taxpayer funds to treat immigrants as pawns rather than addressing the root causes of the crisis. Additionally, Pritzker will criticize Republican governors like Texas’ Greg Abbott and Florida’s Ron DeSantis for busing illegal immigrants to liberal cities, calling these actions political stunts that exacerbated the problem.
Pritzker will emphasize that his state’s efforts to address the influx of immigrants included processing new arrivals, providing temporary shelter and permanent housing, and enabling them to live independently and contribute to the economy. He will also stress his administration’s investments in law enforcement, including the Illinois State Police (ISP) troopers, and note a decrease in violent crime under his leadership. This will be used to argue that his policies ensure both public safety and the opportunity for lawful immigrants to flourish.
Pritzker will reaffirm his intolerance for violent criminals, whether documented or undocumented, and note that Illinois law enables government employees to cooperate with federal immigration officers executing criminal warrants. He will also make it clear that Illinois will not divert limited resources when it is not in the best interest of the state. He will stress that he wants residents to feel comfortable turning to local law enforcement for help.
Additionally, Pritzker is expected to invoke his own family’s history, having fled to the U.S. to escape the Russian massacre of Jews in Ukraine. This personal narrative will underscore his call for immigration reform, as he implores Congress to fix the nation’s broken immigration system, ensuring that law-abiding families can have the same opportunity his family did. The governor will conclude by arguing that reforming the system does not have to come at the expense of securing the border.
The hearing, titled ‘A Hearing with Sanctuary State Governors,’ is set to begin at 10 a.m. EST before the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform. Pritzker will be joined by fellow Democratic governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York, creating a united front for sanctuary states. This event is expected to generate significant political discourse, with implications for the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the role of state governments in the U.S.