Democratic Governors Defend Sanctuary Policies Amid GOP Criticism at Capitol Hearing

In a tense House committee hearing on immigration policy, Democratic governors from Illinois, Minnesota, and New York defended their sanctuary state policies against Republican criticism, asserting that migrants, including those without legal status, are generally law-abiding members of their communities and that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. Republicans, led by Rep. James Comer, accused these governors of enabling criminal illegal aliens and undermining public safety by limiting local law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The hearing featured heated exchanges, with Democrats criticizing the Trump administration's immigration sweeps and militarization tactics as threats to civil liberties. Governors Tim Walz, Kathy Hochul, and JB Pritzker rejected claims that their policies endanger Americans, with Walz emphasizing due process and Hochul framing deportations as contrary to American values. The debate reflects ongoing partisan tensions over immigration enforcement strategies, sanctuary policies, and the balance of state versus federal authority. The hearing was marked by sharp rhetoric from both sides, highlighting the deep divisions over immigration policy under President Trump’s administration.