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- Governors from New York, Illinois, and Minnesota are testifying before the House Oversight Committee on their states’ immigration policies.
- The hearing focuses on “sanctuary” policies, which Republicans argue shield criminal undocumented immigrants from federal enforcement.
- The governors will address criticisms that their policies prioritize the protection of undocumented immigrants over public safety.
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Quick Brief
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Essential Context
On June 12, 2025, Governors Kathy Hochul of New York, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Tim Walz of Minnesota are set to testify before the House Oversight Committee. The hearing is part of an ongoing investigation into the states’ “sanctuary” policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.
Core Players
- Kathy Hochul – Governor of New York
- JB Pritzker – Governor of Illinois
- Tim Walz – Governor of Minnesota
- James Comer – Chairman, House Oversight Committee (R-Ky.)
Key Numbers
- 10:00 AM ET – Time of the hearing
- January 2025 – When Chairman Comer launched the investigation into sanctuary policies
- April 2025 – When the Oversight Committee requested documents and testimony from the governors
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The Catalyst
The hearing is a result of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into sanctuary policies, which Chairman James Comer argues “only create sanctuary for criminals at the expense of the American people.”[2]
This investigation was launched in January 2025 and has included previous hearings with mayors from sanctuary cities.[3]
Inside Forces
The governors are expected to defend their states’ policies, which generally limit state employees from inquiring about a person’s immigration status unless necessary for state programs or legally required.[2]
These policies have been in place for several years, with New York’s executive order, for example, being first enacted in 2017 and recently re-upped by Governor Hochul.[2]
Power Dynamics
The hearing reflects a broader political divide between Republican-led federal efforts to enforce strict immigration policies and Democratic-led states that adopt more lenient approaches.
Chairman Comer and other Republicans argue that these sanctuary policies obstruct federal immigration enforcement and prioritize the protection of criminal undocumented immigrants over public safety.[2][4]
Outside Impact
The outcome of this hearing could have significant implications for immigration enforcement across the country. It may influence future legislative actions and policy decisions regarding sanctuary jurisdictions.
The hearing also comes at a time when other states, like California, are dealing with immigration-related issues, highlighting the national scope of the debate.[2]
Future Forces
The testimony and subsequent discussions will likely shape the ongoing debate on immigration policies. Potential outcomes include changes in federal and state laws regarding cooperation with immigration enforcement.
Additionally, the hearing may influence public opinion and political strategies ahead of future elections, particularly in states with significant immigrant populations.[2][4]
Data Points
- 2017 – Year New York’s sanctuary policy executive order was first enacted
- January 2025 – Start of the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into sanctuary policies
- April 2025 – Request for documents and testimony from the governors
- June 12, 2025 – Date of the hearing
The testimony of these governors marks a critical moment in the national conversation about immigration and public safety. The hearing’s outcome will have far-reaching implications for both federal and state policies, reflecting the complex and often contentious nature of immigration debates in the United States.
