Pritzker called to testify in DC as Trump threatens to withhold funding from sanctuary cities

CHICAGO (WLS) -- President Donald Trump is threatening to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities, and that could have a huge impact on Chicago.

The city is expecting more than $3 billion in grants this year from the feds.

Meanwhile, more than a month after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson was grilled on Capitol Hill, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker could be next in line. In a letter, the Republican House Oversight Committee Chair requested ".documents and communications" related to Illinois' sanctuary policies and invited Pritzker to testify at a May 15 hearing.

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The governor's spokesperson said he's evaluating whether or not to accept that invitation to testify, alongside the governors of New York and Minnesota. That request comes as President Trump repeats his threat to punish sanctuary jurisdiction.

President Trump made the funding withdrawal threat on social media Thursday. Although, it's not clear if it's legal or not. Still, the city is ready to fight back as best it can with so much money at stake.

Concerns about federal funding being withheld from Chicago have been looming for quite some time.

"No more Sanctuary Cities! They protect the Criminals, not the Victims. They are disgracing our Country, and are being mocked all over the World. Working on papers to withhold all Federal Funding for any City or State that allows these Death Traps to exist!!!" Trump said.

The city anticipates receiving approximately $3.5 billion in federal grant money this year.

Losing that would have a drastic impact on the city budget.

"And that's a huge number to chop. You know, that will definitely have an impact on the operations of the city, everything from homelessness services to streets resurfacing, construction. I mean, it runs the gamut as to what the city would stand to lose under such a draconian cut," said 28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin, chairman of the Budget Committee.

The potential loss of funds could impact improvement projects and security at O'Hare and Midway, the planned extension of the CTA's Red Line and funding for the Chicago Police Department that includes more than $50 million for an urban securities initiative.

The city provides more than $17 million in grants to day care centers to help offset the cost for qualifying families. The owner of Lil' Scholars Learning Center says the impact would be devastating for his families.

The facility on the Near West Side cares for 40 children.

"It would be monumental because we have a number of families that attend our facility who receive subsidies, and it allows that family, that mom, that dad, to drop a child off in an environment where it's safe and healthy, and they can go to work," Steven Coles said.

The threat from President Trump comes a month after Mayor Brandon Johnson was called to testify before a congressional committee about Chicago's sanctuary city policy.

"The City of Chicago complies with all federal and state laws. Mayor Johnson's administration will vigorously defend Chicagoans from any unconstitutional or unlawful attempts to strip residents of the funding and services that they are entitled to. The Department of Law will continue to assess any correspondence from the Trump administration that may impact Chicagoans in any way," Johnson's office said in a statement.

And Mayor Johnson has made it clear on numerous occasions that Chicago will not be bullied into changing its Welcoming City ordinance.

The threat to withhold funding is just one of the ways the president's policies are affecting Chicago.

Organizers of this year's Cinco de Mayo parade in Pilsen canceled that event because of the administration's immigration crackdown.

The president's global tariffs are also taking a bite out of Chicago's important tourism industry, along with many local businesses.

Gov. Pritzker is among a handful of Democratic governors asked to appear in front of the House Oversight committee next month.

"Well, there are perils and there are advantages. He has been working very hard to enhance his reputation on the national stage," ABC7 Political Analyst Laura Washington said. "But he's going to be on the hot seat, and he's going to be questioned very intensely."

The governor's spokesperson responded to the committee's request Thursday.

"Let's call this what this is: another partisan dog and pony show. Illinois' Trust Act - which was signed into law by a Republican - is fully compliant with federal law and ensures law enforcement can focus on doing their actual jobs while empowering all members of the public - regardless of immigration status - to feel comfortable calling law enforcement to seek help, report crimes, and cooperate in investigations. We are reviewing the request for documentation and the Governor is evaluating whether he should take time from his busy schedule serving the people of Illinois to educate the House GOP on these matters," Pritzker's Press Secretary Alex Gough said in a statement.

Republicans on the Committee want to press the governors about their state's sanctuary policies.

"Because the House Republicans were not able to land anything against Chicago, they are trying the same performative routine again with the Governor this time. We know these policies keep our neighbors safe and it was an honor to stand up for Chicago's values on a national stage. I know that if Governor Pritzker decides to attend, he will defend our state and our people with pride," Johnson said in a statement.

Illinois U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood said in a statement, "For the past six years, Governor Pritzker has ignored his oath of office by encouraging and harboring illegal immigrants in our state. He continues to prioritize the needs of illegal immigrants rather than his own citizens. Governor Pritzker has championed sanctuary city policies that have endangered Illinois families and cost the taxpayers hundreds of millions of dollars. I applaud the House Oversight Committee and Chairman James Comer for allowing Illinoisians to finally hear why their governor continues to go down the path of blatantly disregarding the United States federal immigration laws."

LaHood had questioned Mayor Johnson at his hearing, also criticizing sanctuary policies.

The rub for the president centers around the aspect of those laws that prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating in civil deportation matters.

The city of Chicago, which is already strapped for cash, has vowed a legal challenge to any attempt by President Trump to withhold funding.