Dem Governors Defend Sanctuary Policies in Heated House Hearing/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Democratic governors defended their states’ immigration policies during a tense congressional hearing led by House Republicans. The GOP accused sanctuary laws of protecting undocumented criminals, while Democrats said immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. Governors from Illinois, Minnesota, and New York emphasized public safety and compliance with the law amid increasing federal pressure.
Democratic Governors Defend Immigration Stances Before GOP-Led House Panel – Quick Looks
- House Oversight Committee scrutinizes sanctuary policies in Democratic-led states amid Trump’s immigration crackdown.
- Large posters of alleged undocumented offenders used by Republicans to emphasize claims of rising crime.
- Govs. Hochul, Pritzker, and Walz testify, defending cooperation with ICE only in criminal cases.
- Chairman James Comer blames sanctuary policies for public safety failures, citing emotional victim testimonies.
- Trump administration lawsuits target sanctuary jurisdictions, from New York to Colorado.
- Gov. Kathy Hochul calls the militarization of Los Angeles an “abuse of power”, echoing broader Democratic concerns.
- Gov. Tim Walz denies Minnesota is a sanctuary state, while defending benefits for immigrant children.
- Gov. JB Pritzker stresses removal of undocumented violent offenders, while warning against federal overreach.
- DOJ lawsuits challenge state policies shielding driver’s license data, particularly New York’s Green Light Law.
- Democrats insist immigration is a federal duty, not a local or state one, warning of “abuses of power.”
Deep Look: House GOP Targets Sanctuary State Policies as Democratic Governors Push Back
WASHINGTON — June 12, 2025 — Tensions ran high in the Capitol as Democratic governors from New York, Illinois, and Minnesota testified before the Republican-led House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, defending their states’ immigration policies while facing aggressive scrutiny over so-called “sanctuary” laws.
With President Donald Trump intensifying immigration enforcement, including deploying the National Guard to Los Angeles, House Republicans used the hearing to publicly challenge the policies of blue states that limit cooperation with federal immigration agencies like ICE.
A Visual Campaign of Accusation
Committee Chair Rep. James Comer (R-Ky.) opened the session flanked by posters of undocumented immigrants accused of crimes, including fatal accidents and violent offenses. He tied these incidents directly to sanctuary policies, stating:
“Sanctuary policies do not protect Americans; they protect criminal illegal aliens.”
Democratic governors pushed back, emphasizing that their laws align with constitutional standards and court rulings that have previously upheld the right of states and cities to set boundaries on federal cooperation.
Hochul: LA Militarization a “Flagrant Abuse”
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul accused Trump of abusing executive power by sending troops into Los Angeles without the state’s consent, describing it as a breach of democratic norms.
“An American city has been militarized over the objections of their governor,” Hochul said, calling it “a flagrant abuse of power.”
Hochul also sparred with Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY), who accused her of “shielding illegals” and prioritizing political interests over public safety. Hochul countered by highlighting that New York has transferred over 1,300 incarcerated noncitizens to ICE since she took office, adding that her administration does not obstruct criminal investigations.
Walz Denies “Sanctuary State” Label
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz distanced his state from the sanctuary label, stating:
“Enforcing immigration law is not the role of local and state governments.”
While cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul limit cooperation with ICE, Walz emphasized that the state itself has no law barring enforcement cooperation. His remarks came days after the Minnesota Legislature repealed a law extending state healthcare to undocumented adults, though Walz maintained coverage for children.
Pritzker: Rule of Law Cuts Both Ways
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker took a firm stance, asserting that violent undocumented offenders should be deported, but only through legal and constitutional means.
“Illinois follows the law. But let me be clear, we expect the federal government to follow the law too.”
Pritzker defended the Illinois Trust Act, which limits arrests based solely on immigration status but allows cooperation with ICE when valid criminal warrants exist. He also criticized Trump’s broader immigration policies as “abuses of power,” aligning with a growing chorus of Democratic leaders.
Federal Lawsuits, Local Clashes
Trump’s administration has escalated legal action against states and cities deemed sanctuary jurisdictions, including New York, Colorado, Illinois, and Rochester. One such lawsuit targets New York’s 2019 Green Light Law, which allows undocumented immigrants to receive driver’s licenses while shielding DMV data from ICE.
Republicans claim these laws obstruct immigration enforcement, while Democrats counter that they enhance public safety by fostering trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities.
A National Showdown Over Immigration
The hearing underscored a growing partisan rift over immigration policy as Trump ramps up enforcement and Democrats push back. While Republicans framed the issue around crime prevention and national security, Democrats defended their approaches as constitutional, humane, and effective in protecting public trust.
With Trump’s military intervention in California and rising federal-state tensions, the fight over immigration enforcement is now a defining political clash in the 2025 legislative landscape.
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