East Central Reporter

Marcie Miller, the communications director of the Coles County GOP, has voiced criticism of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's approach to immigration policy. She said that Pritzker’s testimony before a House Oversight panel in June confirmed his disregard for federal immigration laws and alleged wasteful spending on programs for undocumented migrants. Miller shared these remarks with the East Central Reporter.

"During his testimony, Governor J.B. Pritzker further revealed his indifference to the safety and fiscal stability of Illinois residents," said Marcie K. Miller. "Under his watch, federal immigration laws have been ignored, and police have been limited in their ability to act. Taxpayer funds totaling billions have been funneled into programs for undocumented immigrants, straining state resources. This reckless approach has left communities vulnerable and budgets stretched dangerously thin."

According to Fox News, during a June 12 House Oversight Committee hearing, Governor Pritzker defended his sanctuary policies amid growing backlash over their consequences. Republicans have criticized him for prioritizing illegal immigrants over law-abiding citizens, accusing him of enabling lawlessness and straining taxpayer resources. The state is grappling with increased migrant costs, overcrowded shelters, and rising crime rates. Despite these challenges, Pritzker continues to describe his approach as compassionate. Republicans argue that his leadership has contributed to chaos and ignored the needs of Illinois residents while attracting unchecked illegal immigration at public expense.

Wirepoints reported that while Governor Pritzker has criticized former President Trump's deportation plans, Illinois faces significant issues related to its sanctuary policies. The state hosts approximately 530,000 undocumented immigrants and has spent $1.5 billion since 2022 on healthcare for undocumented seniors and adults without federal reimbursement. Additional expenditures on housing, legal aid, transportation, and education—such as an estimated $400 million for migrant students in Chicago Public Schools—have further increased costs. The Federation for American Immigration Reform estimates total state and local expenses at $3.9 billion.

The Illinois Policy Institute noted that by the end of 2025, Illinois will have spent over $2.5 billion on migrant care, surpassing projections and burdening taxpayers. Healthcare costs reached $1.6 billion through July 2024 alone. The adult migrant program was expected to cost $126.4 million from 2021–2023 but totaled $485.3 million instead; similarly, the senior program cost $412.3 million—nearly double initial estimates—and an additional $478 million has been allocated to migrant services since 2023. These budget pressures have led to the planned termination of the adult program in 2025 as critics question Pritzker’s spending priorities.

According to her profile on Vitadox, Marcie K. Miller is also a Speech-Language Pathologist at Williams Elementary School alongside her role with the Coles County Republicans.