Democratic Governors Testify on Sanctuary Policies in House Oversight Hearing

Democratic Governors Tim Walz of Minnesota, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Kathy Hochul of New York are set to testify before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee regarding their states' immigration and sanctuary policies. The hearing, billed as 'A Hearing with Sanctuary State Governors,' is expected to be contentious, with GOP lawmakers accusing these states of obstructing federal immigration enforcement and prioritizing undocumented immigrants over public safety. However, Minnesota does not have a statewide sanctuary policy, and definitions of 'sanctuary jurisdiction' vary widely, leading some local officials to dispute their inclusion on federal lists. Critics, including Minnesota's GOP Whip Tom Emmer, have sharply attacked Walz, citing state policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration detainers, which Attorney General Keith Ellison has deemed unconstitutional. Walz and his administration argue that Minnesota is not a sanctuary state and suggest the hearing is politically motivated. The event reflects deep partisan divisions over immigration enforcement and local autonomy.