NW Illinois News

The Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Illinois and Chicago, accusing state and local governments of interfering with federal immigration enforcement. The lawsuit, filed on February 6, targets Governor J.B. Pritzker, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and other officials. It claims that state and local policies obstruct federal immigration law and violate the Supremacy Clause. The DOJ argues that illegal immigration poses a national security risk, exacerbated by sanctuary policies in Illinois. The lawsuit cites Illinois laws such as the Way Forward Act and TRUST Act as barriers to enforcement, asserting that these laws have allowed criminals to evade deportation and remain in Chicago.

"The DOJ's lawsuit against Illinois and Chicago is a long-overdue smackdown of sanctuary city nonsense that's been endangering American lives for far too long," said Mike Koolidge, Chairman. "Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson have been shamelessly thumbing their noses at the law, coddling illegal immigrants while throwing their own citizens under the bus. The March 5th House Oversight Committee hearing is set to expose their disastrous policies for the trainwreck they are. The American people are fed up with the excuses—it's time to drop the hammer and demand accountability from feckless scofflaws like Pritzker and Johnson."

In a statement made to NW Illinois News on February 10, Mike Koolidge, chairman of the Ogle County Republicans, commented on the DOJ's actions. "The Department of Justice's lawsuit against Illinois is a reckoning for sanctuary policies that have endangered American lives," he said. Koolidge added that the upcoming March 5 hearing will hold leaders accountable.

According to Fox News, the House Oversight Committee announced a hearing on sanctuary cities scheduled for March 5. Chairman James Comer said in a press release on February 5: "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." Comer emphasized that this is unacceptable and asserted that their leaders must be held accountable.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is set to testify before Congress on March 5 regarding the city’s sanctuary policies. According to Fox 32, Johnson was invited by the House Oversight Committee due to concerns that such policies allegedly violate federal law and harm residents. Alongside mayors from New York, Boston, and Denver, Johnson will defend his city's sanctuary policies during his testimony.

Koolidge was first elected Chairman of the Ogle County Republican Party in 2022. According to the organization’s website, he is focused on boosting Republican voter turnout, growing party membership, and effectively communicating party positions on issues important to Ogle County voters.