Lake County Gazette

Martin McLaughlin, a House Representative from Illinois, criticized Governor J.B. Pritzker's immigration policies, claiming they have turned Illinois into a sanctuary state at the expense of taxpayers and resident families. McLaughlin made this statement on the social media platform X.

"This Governor should be ashamed," said Martin J. Mclaughlin, State Representative from Illinois. "He's turned Illinois into a Sanctuary State for illegal immigrants — choosing them over our own citizens and sticking taxpayers with the bill. His policies are harming too many families. This isn't compassion. It's betrayal."

Illinois has upheld sanctuary-state protections since the 2017 Trust Act, which prohibits state and local police from cooperating with federal immigration detainers without a warrant. Governor Pritzker has been a staunch defender of this policy. According to CBS News, he recently testified before Congress, asserting that Illinois complies with federal law while ensuring community safety. Pritzker said that "violent criminals have no place on our streets."

The state allocated approximately $478 million in 2023 for immigrant support services, including housing, health care, and legal aid for asylum seekers. Data from the Illinois Comptroller and the Governor’s Office indicates an additional $17 million in grants was distributed to municipalities outside Chicago in early 2024. These figures underscore Illinois's significant public investment in immigrant care and integration.

As of 2025, at least 16 U.S. states have adopted sanctuary-style policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. A Reuters analysis revealed these policies have led to increased public trust but also legal challenges, such as lawsuits from the U.S. Department of Justice targeting cities like Chicago. States with such laws often face threats of federal funding cuts but report improved relations between local police and immigrant communities.

McLaughlin is a Republican member of the Illinois House of Representatives representing the 52nd District since 2021. According to the Illinois General Assembly, he serves on committees including Public Safety and Veterans' Affairs and has previously worked in municipal administration. He is known for advocating limited government, public safety funding, and tax reform.