Governors Hochul, Pritzker, Walz Testify on Sanctuary Policies in DC

Democratic Governors Kathy Hochul (New York), JB Pritzker (Illinois), and Tim Walz (Minnesota) are slated to testify before the House Oversight Committee on June 12 regarding their states' sanctuary policies and reduced cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Republicans, led by Committee Chair James Comer, argue these policies hinder federal efforts to deport individuals in the country illegally and compromise public safety, citing high-profile crimes as examples. The governors are expected to defend their approaches, emphasizing that their laws are compliant with federal requirements and promote public safety by encouraging cooperation with law enforcement among immigrant communities. The hearing follows previous testimony from Democratic mayors of major sanctuary cities and is likely to intensify the ongoing debate over state versus federal roles in immigration enforcement. Pritzker's office has characterized the hearing as a partisan exercise, while supporters of sanctuary policies argue these measures foster trust and safety for all residents. The event underscores the deep divisions over immigration policy and the political stakes for the governors, some of whom are seen as potential national candidates.