Illinois Governor JB Pritzker responds to 'garbage' DOJ lawsuit over sanctuary city policies

CHICAGO (WLS) — Governor JB Pritzker is strongly criticizing President Donald Trump and the Department of Justice for the immigration lawsuit filed recently.

Governor Pritzker said he had no idea the DOJ was taking Chicago, Cook County and the state to court.

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The Department of Justice is accusing Chicago, Illinois, and Cook County of prohibiting federal officers from carrying out immigration enforcement.

The lawsuit asserts that sanctuary laws impede collaboration and information exchange between local and federal authorities, hampering immigration officers’ ability to fulfill their duties effectively.

Immigration officers began carrying out raids in the Chicago area days after President Trump took office.

RELATED: Trump lawsuit: Chicago, Illinois and Cook County sued by DOJ over sanctuary city policies

Thursday, Mayor Brandon Johnson once again defended Chicago’s welcoming ordinance, amid the federal lawsuit.

Governor Pritzker responded passionately on Friday, stating, “In Illinois, we adhere to the law unlike Donald Trump. While such actions may be tolerated in Florida, the home state of the DOJ’s leader, in Illinois we exhibit resilience, toughness, and strength. Donald Trump underestimates Illinois when he targets us.”

The initial hearing for this federal case will take place in April.

This comes one month after Mayor Brandon Johnson is expected to go to D.C. to testify before congress regarding sanctuary city policies.

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