Politics
JUST IN: Tim Walz, JB Pritzker Will Be Forced To Testify To Oversight Committee
The House Oversight Committee is escalating its investigation into sanctuary state policies — and three Democratic governors are now set to take center stage. On Tuesday, Oversight Chairman James Comer (R-KY) announced that Governors JB Pritzker of Illinois and Tim Walz of Minnesota, along with New York Governor Kathy Hochul, will testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on June 12.
The hearing will focus on the states’ sanctuary policies and their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
“Sanctuary policies only provide sanctuaries for criminal illegal aliens,” Chairman Comer said in a statement. “Former President Biden created the worst border crisis in U.S. history and allowed criminal illegal aliens to flood our communities. President Trump has ended this crisis and now we have the most secure borders in decades.”
Comer said the Trump administration is working aggressively to deport criminal illegal aliens but claimed that governors like Walz and Pritzker are actively standing in the way.
Chicago, Illinois USA – 08-20-2024: Democratic National Convention Chicago, United Center DNC 2024 – Day 2
“These governors must explain why they are prioritizing the protection of criminal illegal aliens over the safety of U.S. citizens, and they must be held accountable,” he said.
The June 12 hearing marks the latest development in Comer’s ongoing crackdown on reckless sanctuary policies. In January, the Committee launched a formal investigation into jurisdictions that limit cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). According to Comer, these cities and states are attempting to pick and choose which federal laws to enforce — often to the detriment of public safety.
In March, the committee heard testimony from four Democratic mayors representing major sanctuary cities: Michelle Wu of Boston, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Mike Johnston of Denver, and Eric Adams of New York City.
Governor Kathy Hochul speaks to press after Clean Energy Affordability Announcement at Andromeda Community Initiative in New York on May 30, 2024
That session revealed sharp divides over the consequences of shielding illegal immigrants from federal enforcement. Critics of sanctuary policies argue they create safe havens for dangerous individuals and strain city services.
In April, Comer expanded the investigation to the state level, demanding documentation and communications from Governors Pritzker, Walz, and Hochul. Now, those same governors are being compelled to explain their policies in person.
The hearing comes amid heightened national concern over border security. President Trump has reinstated several immigration enforcement measures, vowing to “restore law and order” to American cities. Meanwhile, federal agents have ramped up deportations of individuals with criminal records, even as clashes with sanctuary jurisdictions have intensified.
“The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is continuing to investigate sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States and their impact on public safety and the effectiveness of federal efforts to enforce the immigration laws of the United States,” Comer said to Fox News. “Sanctuary jurisdictions and their obstructionist policies hinder the ability of federal law enforcement officers to effectuate safe arrests and remove dangerous criminals from American communities. This threatens Americans’ safety.”
In January, President Trump signed an executive order which aimed to penalize sanctuary jurisdictions by withholding federal funding and pursuing legal actions against officials who obstruct federal immigration laws. The order mandates the publication of a list of non-compliant jurisdictions and directs federal agencies to identify and suspend appropriate federal funds to these areas.
On April 24, a federal judge issued an injunction preventing the administration from denying funds to sanctuary jurisdictions, citing potential violations of constitutional principles.
