Governor JB Pritzker defends Illinois' sanctuary laws in Congress

On June 12, 2025, Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois is set to testify before Congress about the state’s sanctuary laws, specifically the Illinois Trust Act which supports undocumented immigrants. The hearing is organized by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, following a request by Chairman Rep. James Comer from Kentucky. Pritzker, along with Democratic governors Tim Walz from Minnesota and Kathy Hochul from New York, faces scrutiny regarding their immigration policies, which some members of the committee claim hinder federal enforcement efforts. The Illinois Trust Act, enacted in 2017 by former Republican Governor Bruce Rauner, limits the collaboration between state law enforcement and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) with regards to civil immigration matters. Exceptions exist for individuals with federal criminal warrants. State officials, including Pritzker’s spokesperson, argue that these laws ensure public safety and encourage cooperation between immigrant communities and law enforcement. They assert that the law is fully compliant with federal regulations. Additionally, the hearing comes amid rising tensions and protests related to immigration enforcement in other states, such as California. While some Republican leaders label sanctuary policies as protective of 'criminal illegal aliens,' Democratic officials maintain that their laws prioritize the well-being and safety of all residents, irrespective of their immigration status. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has also recently defended his city’s sanctuary status, emphasizing the importance of public safety for all residents. As the committee prepares for this high-profile hearing, the Democratic governors are arming themselves with data and examples of how their states engage with federal immigration enforcement effectively. They plan to highlight their commitment to public safety, countering Republican assertions of negligence concerning the protection of U.S. citizens. The outcome of the hearing could play a pivotal role in shaping the narrative around sanctuary policies and their impact in the spheres of state governance and national immigration reform.