Calling the request a “partisan dog and pony show,” Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Thursday said he is evaluating whether he’ll testify before the Republican-led House Oversight and Government Reform Committee next month over the state’s immigration policies.
The request comes after Mayor Brandon Johnson on March 5 participated in a six-hour congressional committee alongside Democratic mayors who represent sanctuary cities.
House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) has requested Pritzker, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul testify before the committee on their sanctuary state policies on May 15. In a letter to Pritzker, Comer asked Pritzker to confirm his testimony by April 17.
Comer has also requested documents and communications about the state’s sanctuary status.
“The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is continuing to investigate sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States and their impact on public safety and the effectiveness of federal efforts to enforce the immigration laws of the United States,” Comer wrote in the letter, dated Thursday. “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.”
Pritzker on Thursday signaled he has not yet decided whether he’ll participate in the hearing. Johnson similarly took some time before accepting the March 5 request to testify before the committee.
The Democratic governor, who is largely seen as a potential 2028 presidential contender and was on a short list to serve as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate for her presidential campaign last year, will receive plenty of national media attention for testifying — and defending the state’s immigration policies.
But for now, Pritzker’s office says he is reviewing the committee’s request to appear for a hearing next month.
“Let’s call this what this is: another partisan dog and pony show. 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,” Pritzker spokesman Alex Gough said in a statement. “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.”
Both Chicago and the state of Illinois have laws in place that prohibit local officials from helping federal immigration agents from enforcing immigration law. Republican Gov. Bruce Rauner in 2017 signed the TRUST Act, which prohibits law enforcement throughout the state from collaborating with ICE.