Peoria Standard

Tazewell County Republicans Chairman Jim Rule has criticized Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker's sanctuary policies, stating they defy federal law and endanger citizens. He expressed confidence that under President Trump's leadership, accountability would be inevitable. Rule made these remarks to the Peoria Standard on January 27.

According to NPR, a Justice Department memo issued on January 21 warns state and local officials of potential federal prosecution for failing to cooperate with immigration enforcement. Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove directed prosecutors to pursue the most serious charges, reversing Biden-era policies. The memo targets officials in sanctuary cities who obstruct immigration authorities, withhold information, or harbor undocumented immigrants. This aligns the Department of Justice's (DOJ) policies with President Trump’s executive actions. Cities like Chicago, which maintain sanctuary policies, could face legal action as immigrant communities brace for potential large-scale raids.

The Center for Immigration Studies reported that President Trump’s planned deportation efforts face opposition from sanctuary jurisdictions—state or local governments that limit or obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations. These jurisdictions refuse ICE detainers, impose restrictions, deny ICE access to detainees, or restrict communication with federal immigration officers. According to the Center, nearly 8 million illegal immigrants reside in sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide. Approximately 530,000 of these individuals live in Illinois.

The Chicago Sun-Times reported that border czar Tom Homan urged Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker to cooperate with immigration enforcement during a Chicago GOP event on December 9. Homan criticized both leaders, arguing their policies harm the city. His plan includes verifying asylum seekers' status, targeting criminals, and arresting those who harbor them. Homan warned that non-cooperation would lead to broader arrests and defended his plan as targeted and necessary.

Jim Rule was first elected as Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans in 2018. According to the organization’s website, he is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating its positions on issues important to Tazewell County voters.