From Congressman Darin LaHood:
LaHood Questions Governor Pritzker for Endangering the Lives of Residents of Illinois
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Darin LaHood (IL-16) questioned Governor JB Pritzker at the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform’s hearing with sanctuary state governors on their failure to enforce federal immigration laws.
“Instead of working with federal law enforcement to remove dangerous criminals from our streets in Chicago and across Illinois, you’re creating bureaucratic roadblocks and political cover,” said Rep. LaHood. “In my view, that is not leadership, it’s government malpractice. Illinois families are already struggling with the highest combined state and local tax burden in the country, and they should not be forced to subsidize over $2.5 billion in taxpayer money that has been spent on illegal immigrants over the last four years under your sanctuary policies in Illinois.”
Background:
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform held a hearing with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on their implementation of sanctuary state laws.
While Rep. LaHood does not serve on the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, he was granted a waiver to speak on the Committee to question Governor Pritzker.
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And frm State GOP Chairman Kathy Salvi:
This week, the entire country saw what we in Illinois have known for years: Governor JB Pritzker is dangerously unfit to lead.
In his long-overdue testimony before Congress, Governor Pritzker faced tough, pointed questions—and instead of delivering honest answers, he delivered a masterclass in spin, evasion, and blame-shifting. He twisted himself into a political pretzel trying to justify the indefensible: his open-arms embrace of illegal immigration, his unwavering loyalty to Joe Biden’s failed agenda, and his refusal to confront the public safety crisis unfolding in our state.
For years, JB Pritzker has ducked accountability for the border chaos he helped create. Under his watch, Illinois has become a sanctuary state—not for law-abiding citizens, but for criminal, illegal immigrants. He funneled taxpayer dollars into failed migrant programs while ignoring the pleas of overwhelmed communities and law enforcement officers. He refused to take meaningful action, and now, when finally called to answer for it under oath, he lied.
During the interview, Pritzker:
- Lied about criticizing Joe Biden’s open-border policies despite years of parroting the administration’s talking points and refusing to demand stronger enforcement.
- Couldn’t say if men should be using women’s restrooms, once again dodging common-sense questions on gender policy that directly impact the safety and privacy of Illinois families.
- Tried to pretend he wasn’t Joe Biden’s biggest cheerleader and willingly made Illinois a safe haven for illegal immigrants, even though he campaigned for him, praised his immigration policy, and willingly transformed Illinois into a safe haven for illegal immigrants—no questions asked.
The consequences of Pritzker’s failed leadership are real. Working families are footing the bill for his political agenda. Law enforcement is stretched thin. Local officials—Democrats and Republicans alike—are sounding the alarm. But Pritzker is too focused on scoring national headlines and courting far-left donors to care about the people he was elected to serve.
This is not leadership. This is political cowardice wrapped in empty rhetoric.
Illinoisans deserve better.
We need leaders who will put the safety, sovereignty, and values of our state ahead of personal presidential ambitions and party loyalty. We need leaders who will secure our communities, respect our laws, and stand up for working families—not illegal immigrants and progressive extremists.
The fight for Illinois is far from over. With your continued support, we will hold JB Pritzker accountable. We will restore integrity to Springfield. And we will build a stronger, safer Illinois for future generations
