Rep. Mary Miller Urges Illinois Sheriffs to Defy Sanctuary Laws, Cooperate with ICE
U.S. Representative Mary Miller, a Republican representing Illinois, is publicly calling on sheriffs throughout the state to actively defy Democratic Governor J.B. Pritzker and the state’s existing sanctuary laws. Miller is advocating for sheriffs to instead prioritize the enforcement of federal immigration law within their jurisdictions.
Miller asserts that Illinois’ current sanctuary policies have effectively transformed the state, often referred to as the "Land of Lincoln," into a breeding ground for criminal activity and drug trafficking. She is urging sheriffs to take immediate action by disregarding Pritzker’s efforts to circumvent the policies of President Donald Trump concerning immigration matters. Instead, she wants them to work directly and collaboratively with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) in the execution of deportation proceedings.
This appeal comes at a time when Governor Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, also a Democrat, have increasingly positioned themselves as leading voices of resistance against the Trump administration, particularly concerning its stringent approach to illegal immigration.
The Illinois legislature, controlled by a Democratic majority, passed the TRUST Act in 2017. This legislation significantly limits the ability of local law enforcement agencies to cooperate with ICE. It also prohibits them from engaging in the enforcement of federal immigration laws.
Pritzker, who is rumored to be a potential presidential candidate in 2028, has consistently challenged the Trump administration’s policies. He has publicly denounced Trump as an "authoritarian" figure and has called for widespread protests to disrupt the president’s agenda, declaring that Republicans "cannot know a moment of peace." The Democratic governor has also pledged to actively resist the administration’s immigration agenda, accusing Trump and former acting ICE Director Tom Homan of being "the ones who are threatening people."
ICE has countered these claims, asserting that state and local policies that hinder law enforcement cooperation with ICE endanger both federal agents and the broader community. These policies, according to ICE, allow individuals who pose a threat to public safety to remain free.
The Trump Department of Justice (DOJ) has previously filed legal challenges against Pritzker, Johnson, and several other Chicago officials for their refusal to honor ICE detainers. The DOJ argues that this refusal obstructs ICE from safely and efficiently taking custody of individuals who are subject to deportation.
In its legal filings, the DOJ stated that "when a detainer is not honored or an alien is released from a non-federal facility without notification or transfer to ICE, ICE must conduct investigations and perform targeted enforcement actions to re-apprehend the alien. And while ICE is undertaking re-apprehension efforts, the alien remains at-large in the community and free to commit further crimes or otherwise threaten public safety."
While police departments typically operate under the direct authority of city officials, sheriffs are directly elected by the constituents they serve. This direct accountability often grants them greater autonomy in enforcing the law, potentially insulating them from undue political pressure.
Given this dynamic, Miller is imploring sheriffs throughout Illinois to resist the directives of Pritzker and other state authorities and to actively enforce federal immigration law within their counties.
"I call on every local sheriff in Illinois to defy these dangerous directives, cooperate with ICE, and support President Trump’s deportation efforts," Miller stated to Fox News Digital.
She further asserted that "Pritzker’s sanctuary state policies have transformed Illinois into a cesspool of crime and drugs brought by the illegals he is actively resettling." Miller also emphasized the broader impact on communities, stating that "Our communities are being overwhelmed, innocent girls are being raped, and Americans are being ruthlessly murdered. These are the tragic consequences of his failed leadership."
Miller concluded by urging immediate action, stating, "We must act now before one more innocent American life is lost or harmed."
As of the time of reporting, Governor Pritzker’s office had not yet responded to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on the matter.
The article also referenced the case of an illegal immigrant released by the Biden administration who pleaded not guilty to the murder of a Georgia grandmother, highlighting the debate surrounding immigration enforcement and public safety. Additionally, the article touched upon the fentanyl crisis, with a father whose son died from fentanyl warning that overdoses can happen to anyone, as states fight the deadly crisis. The article cited a possible money-saving measure for illegal aliens to self-deport as the safest option for the United States.
