Democratic Governors Defend Sanctuary Policies Amid Republican Congressional Criticism

Democratic governors from Illinois, Minnesota, and New York defended their sanctuary state policies before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee, amid ongoing protests and federal immigration enforcement efforts. Republicans sharply criticized the governors, accusing them of prioritizing illegal immigrants over the safety of U.S. citizens and highlighting violent crimes committed by undocumented individuals, including a high-profile case of a woman burned alive in New York City. The governors argued that immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility and condemned the Trump administration's deployment of military forces to California, urging Congress to focus on federal action rather than local cooperation. The House also voted to revoke sanctuary policies in Washington D.C., emphasizing the need for local authorities to cooperate with ICE detainer requests. The hearing grew politically charged, with Republicans questioning Democratic officials on various issues, while Democrats maintained their stance on providing a balance between public safety and humane immigration policies. The clash highlighted the deep divisions over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies amid rising tensions in multiple states.