Peoria Standard

Jim Rule, Chairman of the Tazewell County Republicans, expressed criticism of Governor J.B. Pritzker's approach to immigration policies. Rule said that Pritzker’s testimony confirmed his disregard for federal immigration laws and alleged wasteful spending on programs for undocumented immigrants. He made these remarks to the Peoria Standard.

"Governor J.B. Pritzker's testimony before the House Oversight Committee only further exposed his reckless disregard for the safety and financial security of Illinois taxpayers," said Rule. "Under his leadership, Illinois has defied federal immigration laws, hampered law enforcement, and allowed illegal immigration to spiral out of control. Pritzker has irresponsibly funneled billions of taxpayer dollars into programs supporting those living in the country illegally, while crime rates rise and public services strain under the pressure. Pritzker's policies have compromised public safety and drained Illinois' resources, leaving law-abiding residents to bear the heavy cost of his failed leadership."

According to Fox News, during a June 12 House Oversight Committee hearing, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker defended his sanctuary policies amidst growing criticism. Republicans accused Pritzker of prioritizing the interests of undocumented immigrants over those of law-abiding citizens, suggesting that his policies have led to increased costs and crime in Illinois. They argued that his leadership has ignored the needs of Illinois residents and contributed to illegal immigration at public expense.

Wirepoints reported that while Governor Pritzker has criticized former President Trump's deportation plans, Illinois faces challenges related to its sanctuary policies. The state hosts approximately 530,000 undocumented immigrants and has spent $1.5 billion on healthcare for undocumented seniors and adults since 2022 without federal reimbursement. Additional expenditures on housing, legal aid, transportation, and education have further escalated costs.

The Illinois Policy Institute indicated that by the end of 2025, Illinois is projected to spend over $2.5 billion on migrant care, exceeding initial estimates and straining taxpayers. Healthcare alone accounted for $1.6 billion through July 2024. The adult migrant program's cost significantly surpassed projections, leading to its termination in 2025 amid scrutiny over Pritzker’s spending priorities.

Jim Rule resides in Morton and 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 the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Tazewell County voters."