Three Democratic governors are testifying before Congress today to defend their sanctuary policies as House Republicans accuse them of enabling crimes by obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
At a Glance
- Governors Tim Walz (MN), Kathy Hochul (NY), and JB Pritzker (IL) are testifying before Congress on their states’ sanctuary policies
- The hearing expands a House Oversight probe into jurisdictions limiting cooperation with ICE
- Republicans say these policies have allowed criminal noncitizens to remain in U.S. communities
- The session follows earlier testimony from sanctuary city mayors in March
- The governors are under pressure to explain how their policies align with federal immigration law
Governors Under Fire in Heated Hearing
In a charged session on Capitol Hill, Democratic governors from Minnesota, New York, and Illinois are defending policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. House Oversight Chairman James Comer launched the expanded probe after a March hearing focused on sanctuary city mayors.
Watch the hearing: Congress confronts sanctuary state governors
The latest round of questioning targets state-level policies that Republicans say shield undocumented immigrants from deportation—even after they’ve committed crimes. Rep. Comer argues these actions undermine federal law and endanger public safety.
Clash of Narratives
Governor Tim Walz claimed Minnesota isn’t officially a sanctuary state, but critics say its policies create de facto protections for undocumented residents. Governor Hochul attempted a balancing act—endorsing “secure borders” while defending local resistance to ICE detainers. Governor Pritzker blamed Washington for failing to reform immigration and argued Illinois has no obligation to assist in deportations.
Meanwhile, public outrage is mounting amid recent high-profile cases where undocumented offenders were released instead of turned over to ICE. Committee Republicans assert these policies are politically motivated and designed to obstruct enforcement rather than protect public safety.
Political Stakes and Public Safety
Watch the flashpoint: ICE raids spark protests in sanctuary cities
The hearing occurs as tensions escalate between President Trump and Democratic governors over National Guard deployments at the border. Though California Gov. Gavin Newsom is not testifying, his policies have been cited as part of a broader resistance to federal immigration authority.
Republicans argue sanctuary policies compromise the integrity of U.S. law enforcement and embolden offenders. Democrats counter that cooperation with ICE can lead to racial profiling, due process violations, and broken community trust.
As the oversight investigation widens, today’s testimony could shape future federal oversight of states that challenge immigration laws—and ignite further clashes over the balance between state sovereignty and national security.
