Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in Washington preparing to testify in front of House Oversight Committee on sanctuary law
Share this @internewscast.com

WASHINGTON (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker is in the nation’s capital on Wednesday, readying himself to respond to challenging inquiries regarding Illinois’ sanctuary policy posed by a committee controlled by Republicans in Congress.

His testimony is happening during a critical period, as the Trump administration intensifies its immigration enforcement actions, spurring considerable opposition in Chicago and other regions.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

The governor is making sure he’s ready.

Pritzker has been stationed in Washington since Sunday, engaging with Republican attorneys at a prominent law firm based in Washington, D.C., to prepare for his scheduled testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi is a member of the committee. He calls the hearing a Republican-led distraction.

“Let’s just be very clear: The reason why they’re focused on this hearing is they don’t want to talk about what my constituents really care about, which is what they call the big, beautiful bill, and what we call the large, lousy law,” said Democrat Krishnamoorthi, who represents Chicago and northwest suburbs.

Three months ago, Mayor Brandon Johnson testified before the same committee investigating sanctuary cities.

Pritzker is expected to face a similar grilling.

“I spoke directly to the governor just about an hour ago or so, as he prepares for his testimony at the Oversight Committee, spoke with Preckwinkle,” Johnson said Wednesday afternoon. “It’s going to take all of us to stand firm to ensure our democracy is intact.”

“I think the governor is going to convey that the law that protects public safety and everyone in Illinois, the TRUST Act, including immigrants, has been a success, that it was enacted under a conservative, Republican governor, who signed it into law,” said Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, a Democrat representing Chicago and the Southwest Side.

The timing of Pritzker’s congressional testimony, barely a week after U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detentions in Chicago and amid rising tensions over immigration enforcement, could add some additional volatility to the hearing, which the governor talked about last week.

“I think there may be members on that committee who are simply there for a dog and pony show, who simply want to grandstand in front of the cameras. I hope not. That’s inappropriate,” Pritzker said.

In addition to Gov. Pritzker, his counterparts from New York and Minnesota will also be testifying Thursday. The hearing is expected to last most of the day.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump will attend FIFA Club World Cup final at MetLife Stadium

Trump to Attend FIFA Club World Cup Final at MetLife Stadium

President Donald Trump has announced that he will attend the FIFA Club…
Lil Duval's Jacksonville concert canceled for July 11

Lil Duval’s Jacksonville Show on July 11th Called Off

Lil Duval’s July 11 concert at Jacksonville’s VyStar Arena is canceled, with…
Dashcam footage of a bicycle collision.

Dashcam Video Captures Terrifying Moment as Boy on Bicycle is Trapped Between Two Cars in Unusual Accident

HORROR dashcam video shows a boy riding a bicycle being crushed between…
The US faces more frequent extreme weather events, but attitudes and actions aren't keeping up

U.S. Struggles to Adapt as Extreme Weather Events Increase

WASHINGTON (AP) — In 1987, central Texas experienced lethal flooding, leading some…
Netanyahu says he nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize. From there, it's a secretive process

Netanyahu Reveals He Nominated Trump for a Nobel Peace Prize; Here’s What Happens Next

U.S. President Donald Trump has been nominated again for the Nobel Peace…
PETA sues AKC over breed standards for Frenchies, pugs and more

PETA Files Lawsuit Against AKC Over Breeding Rules for French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Other Breeds

PETA argues that the influential club is promoting unhealthy physical features. NEW…
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and Jacqui Heinrich at the 46th Kennedy Center Honors.

Fox News Personality Engaged to Congressman 15 Years Older, 4 Years After Their First DC Date

FOX News correspondent Jacqui Heinrich is officially off the market after a…
Read Bryan Kohberger's signed killer confession

Check Out Bryan Kohberger’s Signed Admission of Guilt

Bryan Kohberger put his guilt in writing and signed the bottom –…
10 people charged for 'organized attack' on ICE agents, cop after military-style ambush: DOJ

Ten Individuals Accused of ‘Organized Assault’ on ICE Agents and Police Officer Following Military-Style Ambush: DOJ

Ten individuals from an armed mob accused of attacking an ICE detention…
Former Chicago Alderman Ed Burke released from Illinois prison; expected to be at Salvation Army halfway house

Ex-Chicago Alderman Ed Burke Freed from Illinois Prison; Expected to Reside at Salvation Army Halfway House

CHICAGO (WLS) — Convicted former Alderman Ed Burke was released from federal…

Grandfather Travels 8,000 Miles for Grandson’s Graduation, Goes Missing a Day After Arrival

A FAMILY is desperate for answers after their grandpa traveled 18 hours…
ICE agents targeted in 2 ambush attacks in recent days

ICE Agents Face Two Recent Ambush Attacks

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and other federal law enforcement…