Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker faced sharp criticism during a U.S. House hearing Thursday over his state’s sanctuary policies and ongoing population decline. Republican lawmakers pressed the Democrat on whether the state’s migrant policies are politically motivated, citing the state’s loss of a congressional seat and continued outmigration.
U.S. Rep. John McGuire (R-VA) questioned Pritzker on whether including illegal immigrants in the census is part of a broader strategy to secure more Democrat seats in Congress. McGuire also pointed to Illinois’ declining population, prompting Pritzker to fire back, “Your numbers are wrong, sir.”
Rep. Darin LaHood (R-IL) noted that Illinois continues to see residents flee, citing high unemployment, property taxes, and a surge in illegal immigration. He stated Illinois holds the fifth-highest illegal immigrant population, estimated at over 500,000. Pritzker attempted to counter the claims but was cut off, calling the statistics “completely false” and insisting that population numbers have increased since the 2020 Census.
Despite Pritzker’s insistence, official records show Illinois lost population consistently over the last decade. While international migration slightly offset domestic outflows in recent years, the state’s long-term trend reflects a net loss. Republican state Rep. Brad Halbrook, observing from the audience, labeled Pritzker a “population denier” and warned that Illinois could lose more congressional seats in the next census.
The heated exchange underscores growing national concern over the implications of sanctuary policies and demographic shifts, with Republicans warning that lax immigration enforcement incentivizes illegal entry and distorts political representation. Pritzker’s deflections drew further scrutiny as Illinois faces fiscal strain, rising crime, and record levels of taxpayer flight.
