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Nominee says AG has authority under the Constitution to enforce federal immigration law against sanctuary policies
Summary
Asked whether the Illinois attorney general can challenge sanctuary declarations, Bob invoked the Constitution's supremacy clause and said he would enforce federal immigration law and notify ICE when appropriate.
When asked whether a state attorney general can override local sanctuary declarations, Bob cited the Constitution's supremacy clause and said the AG "does have the authority, and I will enforce that." He argued federal law governs immigration and that the AG must ensure state compliance with federal obligations.
Bob framed the question as part of the AG's duty as the state's chief law‑enforcement officer: "Not only do we have to respect the laws of the State of Illinois, but we also have to respect the laws of our federal government. ... The supremacy clause should also guarantee who and what, governs, and federal law governs this." He said he would use the office to enforce those laws, including coordination with federal authorities when local policies conflict.
The interview does not include legal citations or details on specific enforcement mechanisms or limits, and Bob did not spell out the statutory path he would use to compel local law‑enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
