Pritzker invited to testify to Congress about sanctuary state policy

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — Governor J.B. Pritzker may be headed to Capitol Hill to be questioned about sanctuary cities and their policies.

Rep. James Comer (R-KY), the chair of House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, asked Pritzker and several other Democratic leaders, like Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, to testify to Congress. Republicans and the Trump administration have threatened to withhold federal funding for states with sanctuary policies.

Illinois’ Trust Act prohibits state and local law enforcement from cooperating with or obstructing federal immigration officials and their investigations.

“Sanctuary jurisdictions and their obstructionist policies hinder the ability of federal law enforcement officers to effectuate safe arrests and remove dangerous criminals from American communities. This threatens Americans’ safety,” Comer said in his letter to Pritzker. “The State of Illinois is a sanctuary jurisdiction that refuses to fully cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.”

In a statement from the Governor’s office, Pritzker has not decided if he’s going to testify.

“Illinois’ Trust Act – which was signed into law by a Republican – is fully compliant with federal law and ensures law enforcement can focus on doing their actual jobs while empowering all members of the public – regardless of immigration status – to feel comfortable calling law enforcement to seek help, report crimes, and cooperate in investigations. We are reviewing the request for documentation and the Governor is evaluating whether he should take time from his busy schedule serving the people of Illinois to educate the House GOP on these matters.”
Press Secretary for the Office of Illinois Governor Alex Gough

Earlier this year, several mayors of sanctuary cities were asked to testify on their sanctuary city policies, including Chicago’s Brandon Johnson.

The hearing is scheduled for May 15 at 10 a.m.