Lake County Gazette

Jay Swidler, Chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans, said that the Department of Justice's (DOJ) lawsuit against Illinois represents a reckoning for sanctuary policies that have endangered American lives. He added that the upcoming March hearing will hold leaders accountable. Swidler made these remarks to the Lake County Gazette on February 10.

"The DOJ lawsuit against Illinois and Chicago is not just overdue—it's a necessary reckoning for years of reckless sanctuary policies that have put American lives at risk," said Swidler. "For too long, corrupt politicians like Governor Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson have prioritized shielding illegal immigrants over protecting law-abiding citizens, allowing criminals to roam free. The March 5 House Oversight Committee hearing will finally drag these failures into the spotlight and force Johnson to answer for the chaos his policies have created. This is the moment Illinoisians deserve—where truth is exposed, justice is demanded, and accountability is no longer optional."

According to Fox News, the DOJ filed a lawsuit against Illinois and Chicago on February 6, alleging interference with federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit targets Governor J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and others, claiming state and local laws obstruct federal immigration law in violation of the Supremacy Clause. It argues that illegal immigration poses national security risks exacerbated by sanctuary policies like those in Illinois. The lawsuit cites Illinois laws, including the Way Forward Act and TRUST Act, as barriers to enforcement, alleging they have allowed criminals to avoid deportation and remain in Chicago.

In a February 5 press release on the House Oversight Committee website, Chairman James Comer announced a hearing on sanctuary cities scheduled for March 5. Comer said: "Sanctuary mayors owe the American people an explanation for city policies that jeopardize public safety and violate federal immigration law by releasing dangerous criminal illegal aliens back onto the streets…. policies in Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City prioritize criminal illegal aliens over the American people. This is unacceptable and their leaders must be held accountable. We will press these mayors for answers and examine measures to enforce compliance with federal immigration law."

Fox 32 reported that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will testify before Congress on March 5 regarding the city’s sanctuary policies. The House Oversight Committee invited Johnson due to concerns that such policies allegedly violate federal law and harm residents. Chicago, along with New York City, Boston, and Denver, has faced scrutiny for allegedly protecting undocumented immigrants. Fox 32 reported that Johnson will be joined by other mayors as he defends the city’s sanctuary policies in his testimony.

Swidler is a resident of Buffalo Grove who was first elected chairman of the Vernon Township Republicans in 2024. According to the organization’s website, Swidler is "focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing the Party’s membership, and communicating the Party’s positions on issues that matter to Vernon Township voters."