Democratic Governors Pritzker, Hochul, and Walz will face congressional grilling over sanctuary policies in a high-stakes hearing next month as Republican lawmakers intensify their scrutiny of states limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
At a Glance
- Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will testify before the House Oversight Committee on June 12 regarding their states’ sanctuary policies
- Chairman James Comer launched an investigation in January 2025 examining how sanctuary jurisdictions impact public safety and federal immigration enforcement
- The hearing comes amid heightened Republican criticism of states that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities
- Former presidential candidate Tim Walz will make his return to Washington after running as Vice President Harris’s running mate in the 2024 election
- The committee has requested documents and communications related to each state’s sanctuary policies
GOP-Led Committee Summons Democratic Governors
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, chaired by Republican James Comer, has scheduled a hearing for June 12, 2025, requiring the Democratic Governors of Illinois, Minnesota, and New York to testify about their states’ sanctuary policies. The hearing continues Comer’s investigation into sanctuary jurisdictions that began in January, focusing on how these policies impact federal immigration enforcement capabilities and public safety concerns across the country.
Committee Chairman Comer has specifically requested that Governors J.B. Pritzker, Kathy Hochul, and Tim Walz provide extensive documentation concerning their states’ approaches to federal immigration enforcement collaboration. The committee is seeking records of communications, internal policy documents, and details about how each state implements policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Republican Criticism of Sanctuary Jurisdictions
Chairman Comer has been outspoken in his criticism of states maintaining sanctuary policies, arguing they directly obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts. According to the committee’s definition, sanctuary jurisdictions are areas that deliberately restrict cooperation with federal agencies tasked with deporting individuals residing in the country illegally, particularly those with criminal records.
“Sanctuary policies only provide sanctuaries for criminal illegal aliens. Former President Biden created the worst border crisis in U.S. history and allowed criminal illegal aliens to flood our communities,” said Chairman James Comer.
In stark contrast to his criticism of the previous administration, Comer has praised the Trump administration’s current approach to immigration enforcement. His statements emphasize what he describes as “decisive action” to deport individuals with criminal records who are in the country illegally, while claiming that sanctuary states are actively working to undermine these federal efforts.
Political Implications of the Hearing
The June hearing carries significant political weight, particularly for Governor Tim Walz, who will be making his first return to Washington since his unsuccessful vice-presidential campaign alongside Kamala Harris in the 2024 election. Both Walz and Illinois Governor Pritzker have been mentioned as potential Democratic presidential contenders for 2028, giving their testimony additional political significance beyond the immediate policy discussion.
This hearing follows a similar congressional session in March that featured mayors from major sanctuary cities including Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York. Republicans have intensified their focus on sanctuary jurisdictions following President Trump’s return to office, with immigration enforcement representing a cornerstone of his administration’s domestic policy agenda.
Committee’s Investigation Process
In April, Chairman Comer sent formal requests to each Governor demanding information about their sanctuary policies. The June 12 hearing represents an escalation of this investigation, requiring the Governors to defend their policies in person before the committee. Comer has framed the investigation as a matter of public safety, suggesting sanctuary policies prioritize the protection of individuals in the country illegally over the safety concerns of American citizens.
“The Governors of these states 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,” Comer added.
The Governors have not yet issued comprehensive public responses to the committee’s requests or the upcoming hearing. Governor Pritzker, who has been a vocal defender of Illinois’ immigration policies, previously stated that “The state of Illinois is putting itself on the map internationally and the world is taking notice,” though this comment was made in a different context prior to the hearing announcement.
