In the intense debate between President Donald Trump and California’s governor on immigration policies, Republican members of Congress summoned Democratic governors to Capitol Hill on Thursday. The primary objective was to scrutinize their support of policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform featured vibrant displays showing men allegedly in the U.S. unlawfully, who were captured committing crimes in states like Illinois, Minnesota, and New York – the home states of some attending governors.
Committee Chairman James Comer initiated the hearing by spotlighting the family of a woman who tragically died in a hit-and-run accident in Illinois, suggesting that such sanctuary policies had enabled the driver’s illegal status. “Sanctuary policies do not protect Americans, they protect criminal illegal aliens,” Comer declared. Tensions flared as Republican lawmakers clashed with the governors, with vivid accounts of violent offenses purportedly committed by undocumented immigrants not detained by local law enforcement.
Throughout the hearing, emotions ran high, with legislators frequently interrupting each other and straying from the central theme. Democratic Representative Melanie Stansbury from New Mexico cut into the proceedings to criticize the heated atmosphere. “Welcome everyone to the Oversight reality TV show,” she commented, adding, “I know Mr. Trump loves himself some good TV, and today is not disappointing.” While there is no formal definition of a sanctuary jurisdiction, the term typically describes regions limiting cooperation with federal immigration agencies. Courts have previously upheld these policies’ legality.
The Trump administration has actively pursued legal actions against areas like Colorado, Illinois, New York, and various cities, arguing that their policies breach U.S. law or the Constitution. The Department of Homeland Security once identified Illinois, Minnesota, and New York among multiple sanctuary jurisdictions, though the list was later removed amidst controversy over inaccuracies. In light of President Trump escalating immigration enforcement, many Democratic-led states have fortified opposition, enhancing laws that curb assistance to immigration officials.
In response to recent clashes between protestors and immigration officers in Los Angeles, Trump deployed the National Guard, an action California Gov. Gavin Newsom equated to a “declaration of war” on democracy. “As we speak, an American city has been militarized over the objections of their governor,” stated New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, calling it an “abuse of power.” Hochul’s exchanges with her home state Republicans were particularly fiery, with Rep. Elise Stefanik implying the sanctuary policies protect illegal immigrants over victims of heinous crimes. Hochul countered that New York retains cooperation with ICE and law enforcement in criminal scenarios.
The debate further highlighted the complications in immigration enforcement, as Hochul explained that New York’s gubernatorial edicts prevent officials from revealing individuals’ immigration status without legal compulsion. Throughout her tenure, the state has collaborated with ICE in over 1,300 cases involving incarcerated noncitizens. Emphasizing jurisdiction boundaries, Hochul said, “What we don’t do is civil immigration enforcement — that’s the federal government’s job.”
The House Oversight Committee frequently finds itself in the political crossfire, and its recent agenda shifts focus towards immigration. This hearing followed a similar March inquiry involving Democratic mayors discussing sanctuary policies. Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz positioned Minnesota outside the sanctuary spectrum, stating it lacks statewide protections for undocumented immigrants, although cities like Minneapolis and St. Paul have policies restricting collaboration with immigration enforcement.
Under Walz’s governance, laws offering benefits irrespective of immigration status were enacted, though a recent special legislative session repealed the extension of state health care coverage for undocumented adults. However, Walz insisted on maintaining eligibility for undocumented children. Chicago remains a longstanding sanctuary city, bolstered by former Republican Governor Bruce Rauner’s 2017 protective legislation, which Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker continues to support. Pritzker urged the federal government to uphold its legal obligations, declaring violent undocumented criminals unwelcome. “Illinois follows the law,” Pritzker affirmed, emphasizing adherence to judicial orders and justice without political interference.