Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker addressed Illinois’ population growth during a speech at the City Club of Chicago, stating the increase has nothing to do with illegal immigration while highlighting the state’s welcoming policies.
The video of his remarks has drawn significant online attention amid ongoing debates over Chicago’s sheltering of migrants and concerns about housing strain and out-migration.
JB Pritzker bragged about Illinois population growth at the City Club of Chicago this afternoon, touting his welcoming ordinance while claiming the growth has nothing to do with illegal immigration.Chicago absorbed over 51,000 illegals since 2022. That surge tripled the… pic.twitter.com/Z6aA4XbpAV
— Jen (@IlliniJen) April 18, 2026
In the clip from Friday’s event, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker speaks at a podium at the City Club of Chicago about the state’s housing challenges. He highlights the recent population growth in Illinois and emphasizes that more housing units need to be built to support it, while also pointing out his administration’s BUILD Initiative to tackle affordability. The video does not actually include any outright denial of any tie to illegal immigration…