Pritzker defends Illinois sanctuary state policy during hours long congressional hearing

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — Gov. JB Pritzker was one of three Democratic governors grilled by congressional Republicans Thursday over sanctuary state policies. GOP leaders spent nearly eight hours bashing Illinois, New York and Minnesota while Democrats said the federal government should have stronger immigration laws.

GOP Oversight Committee members spent the entire day criticizing laws that have protected undocumented immigrants while President Donald Trump sent tactical teams to cities across the country protesting ICE.

Pritzker said Illinois filled in the gaps where federal immigration policy failed, ensuring people were not starving on the streets as they went through the asylum process.

"Illinois follows the law. But let me be clear, we expect the federal government to follow the law too," Pritzker said. "We will not participate in abuses of power. We will not violate court orders. We will not ignore the constitution. We will not defy the Supreme Court, and we will not take away peoples' rights to peacefully protest."

Yet, Republicans claim Democrats never had concerns with the border under the Biden administration. Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Kentucky) said Congress didn't have to pass bipartisan border reforms because Trump closed the border immediately.

"There's no question you all have been obstructing, and criticizing, and failing to work with this administration in trying to apprehend the criminal illegals," Comer said. "That's what this hearing is about. It's not about theater. It's about trying to get a consensus on working with this administration to deport the criminal illegals."

Illinois Republicans have consistently called for Democrats to repeal the TRUST Act and end the state's sanctuary status. Although, Pritzker frequently reminds them that the historic law was signed by Republican governor Bruce Rauner.

"Our people embody the most American ideal of all - that where your life began matters far less than the dreams you can realize here for yourself and your family," Pritzker said.

Even so, some Republicans argue sanctuary states allowed for a "gold rush" of people illegally entering the country.

"Each and every one of you have participated," said Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas). "Each and every one of you have put a green light out, please come be with us and we'll take care of you. It has caused carnage."

Members of the Illinois Freedom Caucus were in Washington for the hearing. They said Pritzker's policies have cost taxpayers billions and he will do anything to grab the national spotlight.