Prairie State Wire

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton) recently issued a statement slamming Gov. Bruce Rauner for signing legislation making Illinois a “sanctuary state,” contrasting his support with the position of Virginia's Democratic Gov.-Elect Ralph Northam.

“[Northam] opposes sanctuary cities in Virginia,” Ives said in the statement. “Northam's position crystallizes how extreme Governor Rauner’s social agenda really is. “In September, Rauner signed legislation making Illinois a Sanctuary State. His decision to protect people who are here illegally and have committed additional crimes is inexplicable.”

Ives, who is challenging Rauner for the Republican nomination in next year’s gubernatorial election, according to Chicago Tonight, noted that opposition to sanctuary cities is not limited to those with conservative politics, echoing Sen. Kyle McCarter’s (R-Lebanon) point that unions also oppose such legislation.

Rep. Jeanne Ives (R-Wheaton)

“In 2016, more Chicagoans were murdered than in New York City and Los Angeles combined,” Ives said in her statement. “So, it's especially tragic that Governor Rauner – and his good friend, Rahm Emanuel – are less concerned with that staggering figure than they are spending time and taxpayer money protecting criminal aliens and putting law enforcement at greater risk.”