Immigration

The number of immigrants living in the United States continues to be a flashpoint in political debate. With sweeping new executive orders from the Trump administration, the stakes are even higher.

Anti-ICE protesters are marching in downtown Chicago on Thursday afternoon.

Pritzker, along with fellow Democratic governors Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York, appeared in front of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

During a heated congressional hearing on sanctuary state policies, Illinois Rep. Darin LaHood accused Gov. J.B. Pritzker of endangering public safety by refusing to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. LaHood cited specific Illinois crimes involving migrants and claimed that Pritzker?s support for laws like the Illinois Way Forward Act creates ?bureaucratic roadblocks? for law enforcement. Pritzker pushed back, defending his record and saying the federal government needs to do more to fix immigration.

U.S. Rep. Miller accuses Gov. Pritzker of calling for ?mass protests, mobilization and disruption" and asked if he would commit to working with the Trump administration and ICE to ?ensure the violence we've seen in Los Angeles doesn't occur in Chicago or anywhere else in the state."

In a combative exchange at a House hearing on sanctuary states, Rep. John McGuire of Virginia accused Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker of using undocumented immigrants to boost congressional representation and Democratic power.

In an interview with FOX 32 political editor Paris Schutz, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene said governors who support sanctuary policies are committing ?treason? and should be investigated by the Department of Justice. Greene blamed state-level protections for undocumented immigrants for contributing to violent crimes, referencing the death of Laken Riley.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker testifies before a House panel on sanctuary states policy in Washington, D.C.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Texas Rep. Brandon Gill got into a heated exchange Thursday during an immigration hearing.

In an interview with FOX 32 political editor Paris Schutz, Texas Congressman Brandon Gill accused Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker of enabling violent crimes through sanctuary state policies. Gill argued that local officials refuse to cooperate with ICE, even after arrests or prison releases. When pressed on the legality of current enforcement, Gill doubled down by calling Pritzker a ?lunatic.?

During a heated moment in a congressional hearing on sanctuary state policies, Rep. Brian Higgins demanded to know why people in the U.S. illegally were in Illinois, blaming the state's policies for migrant-linked tragedies.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker testifies before a House panel on sanctuary states policy in Washington, D.C.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker testifies before a House panel on sanctuary states policy in Washington, D.C.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker testifies before a House panel on sanctuary states policy in Washington, D.C.

Rep. Lauren Boebert tells FOX 32 political editor Paris Schutz that sanctuary state policies are fueling unrest and putting communities at risk. The Colorado Republican criticized governors in states like Illinois and Minnesota for blocking cooperation with federal immigration agents, calling it a ?hypocritical? stance. She also defends President Trump?s decision to mobilize the National Guard, saying federal help is necessary to enforce immigration laws.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker testifies before a House panel on sanctuary states policy in Washington, D.C.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker testified Thursday before a House panel on Illinois' sanctuary policies.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker testified Thursday before a House panel on Illinois' sanctuary policies.