Uphold federal law, reject liberal gov’s sanctuary policy, blue state rep tells sheriffs

In a bold move, Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., is urging sheriffs in her state to defy Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker and the state’s sanctuary laws in order to uphold federal immigration law. Miller believes that the sanctuary policies in Illinois have turned the state into a “cesspool of crime and drugs” and is calling on sheriffs to work directly with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) on deportations instead of following Pritzker’s directives.

The push for defiance comes as Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, have emerged as strong voices of resistance against the Trump administration’s immigration policies. The TRUST Act, passed by the Illinois legislature in 2017, limits local law enforcement’s ability to cooperate with ICE and prohibits them from enforcing immigration law.

Pritzker, who is considered a potential presidential candidate for 2028, has been vocal in his opposition to the Trump administration, even denouncing the president as an “authoritarian” and calling for mass protests to disrupt his agenda. He has vowed to resist the administration’s immigration policies, leading to legal charges being filed against him and other Chicago officials by the Department of Justice for refusing to honor ICE detainers.

ICE has stated that state and local policies hindering cooperation with the agency put federal agents and communities at risk by allowing public safety threats to remain free. The DOJ has emphasized that when detainers are not honored, individuals are released back into the community, where they may commit further crimes or pose a threat to public safety.

While police departments typically fall under city officials’ control, sheriffs are elected by the people they serve and have more autonomy to enforce the law without political interference. Miller is urging sheriffs across the state to stand against Pritzker and state authorities in order to enforce immigration law.

In a statement to Fox News Digital, Miller emphasized the consequences of Pritzker’s sanctuary state policies, stating, “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.” She called on sheriffs to defy the directives and support President Trump’s deportation efforts to prevent further harm to innocent Americans.

Pritzker’s office did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment on Miller’s call to action. It remains to be seen how sheriffs in Illinois will respond to the congresswoman’s plea to uphold federal immigration law and defy state sanctuary policies.