Illinois Congresswoman Mary Miller is urging local law enforcement across the state to ignore Illinois’ sanctuary state policies and work directly with federal immigration authorities, as former President Donald Trump reasserts his hardline immigration agenda in his current campaign and legal strategy.
Speaking on Chicago’s Morning Answer with Dan Proft and Amy Jacobson, Miller praised the Trump administration’s renewed focus on enforcing federal immigration law, including the use of “expedited removal” provisions long available under federal statute. These provisions, she noted, allow for the rapid deportation of individuals in the U.S. illegally—sometimes within 24 hours—without the need for formal hearings, especially for those who have been in the country less than two years and do not apply for asylum.
Miller argued that current Illinois leadership is actively obstructing those efforts. “Pritzker is actively violating the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause by trying to block immigration enforcement,” she said, referring to Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. She further criticized the state’s refusal to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), saying it undermines public safety and flouts federal authority.
The Department of Justice appears to agree in part. Miller cited multiple lawsuits filed by the DOJ against the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago, alleging that their sanctuary policies violate federal immigration law and infringe on federal authority.
When asked if she had spoken directly with any sheriffs in Illinois’s 102 counties about ignoring state policies and cooperating with federal agents, Miller said she had not, but expressed confidence that many would choose to follow federal law over state directives. “They haven’t contacted me with objections,” she noted, adding that she has a strong working relationship with many downstate law enforcement leaders.
Still, such defiance would be risky. Local police and sheriffs who act against state policy could face consequences, including litigation from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s office. Officers in cities like Chicago risk losing their jobs if they are seen as cooperating with ICE, due to local ordinances and union restrictions.
Miller acknowledged these challenges but argued the issue goes beyond legal maneuvering—it’s about public safety and restoring the rule of law. “I feel terrible for the Chicago police,” she said. “The current leadership is siding with criminals and illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens and victims.”
During the interview, Miller framed the situation as part of a larger cultural and political divide between downstate Illinois and the state’s Democratic leadership in Chicago. She pointed to declining public services, safety concerns, and a lack of support for law enforcement as consequences of what she called “Democrat rule” in the city.
As the debate over immigration enforcement intensifies nationwide, Miller’s comments add fuel to a growing confrontation between state and federal authority. While legal analysts note the Trump team is on firm ground using existing federal laws to remove non-citizens quickly, the implementation faces fierce resistance from states like Illinois that have codified sanctuary protections.
Whether local law enforcement will follow Miller’s call to challenge the state remains to be seen. But her remarks underscore how immigration remains a flashpoint in both national politics and state governance—and a potential wedge issue as the 2024 election season heats up.