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
Visitor feared to have lost arm in lion zoo attack

Visitor Suspected of Losing Arm in Lion Attack at Zoo

A woman in her 50s is believed to have lost an arm…
I overheard my brother fighting with his wife — should I say something?

I overheard my brother arguing with his wife — should I intervene or stay out of it?

DEAR ABBY: I inadvertently received a voicemail from my brother that captured…
Shadowy CIA operative interacted with Lee Harvey Oswald months before JFK assassination: documents

CIA Agent Met with Lee Harvey Oswald Months Before JFK Assassination: New Documents Reveal

An enigmatic CIA operative with expertise in psychological warfare had interactions with…
Yankees' Jazz Chisholm out of Subway Series lineup with shoulder issue

Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Misses Subway Series Game Due to Shoulder Problem

The Yankees, struggling with a six-game losing streak and several player absences,…
Man vows to keep Texas business running despite 'worst flood' in 20 years

Texas Business Owner Determined to Keep Doors Open Amid Worst Flood in Two Decades

“Current live updates from the field indicate unconfirmed reports of more water…
Texas weather: Massive recovery efforts underway in Kerr County following catastrophic flooding in Central Texas

Texas Weather Update: Extensive Recovery Efforts Ongoing in Kerr County After Severe Central Texas Floods

In Kerr County, Texas, rescue teams searched through a devastated landscape on…
Zelenskyy touts 'fruitful' Trump call after US president was 'disappointed' by Putin talk

Zelenskyy Praises Productive Trump Call Following US President’s Displeasure with Putin Conversation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that he had a “very important…
North Korean avoids land mines to cross DMZ into South Korea as Seoul softens stance on Pyongyang

North Korean Defector Dodges Land Mines to Enter South Korea Amid Warming Relations

A North Korean man walked across one of the most dangerous borders…
Musk launches 'America Party' in response to 'insane' Trump tax bill passing

Musk Introduces ‘America Party’ Following ‘Absurd’ Passage of Trump Tax Bill

Elon Musk threatened to form a new party if President Donald Trump’s…
Claim $150 bonus or $1K first bet safety net for Wimbledon

Unlock a $150 Bonus or Secure Your First Bet with a $1K Safety Net for Wimbledon

Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission…
Jacksonville travelers return home smoothly following July 4th

Jacksonville Holiday Travelers Enjoy Easy Return After Independence Day

JAX Airport smoothly handled a surge of travelers during the busiest Fourth…
Two boys in Camp La Junta shirts stand outside.

Miracle Escape: Two Brothers Swim to Safety from Rising Floodwaters in Texas Camp Cabin

TWO brave young brothers have told of their gutsy escape from the…