As part of a renewed Republican push to strengthen federal immigration control, Democratic governors from Illinois, Minnesota, and New York appeared before the House Oversight Committee on Thursday to defend their sanctuary state policies, which limit local cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

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The hearing reflected deepening political polarization over immigration, as GOP lawmakers accused so-called sanctuary jurisdictions of obstructing federal law and protecting undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

Committee Chair James Comer claimed that “sanctuary policies don’t protect Americans – they protect criminal illegal immigrants.” His remarks echoed talking points promoted by former President Donald Trump and right-wing lawmakers seeking to expand federal immigration authority and override local laws.

The governors rejected that framing, emphasizing that their states do cooperate with ICE in serious criminal cases while refusing to act as de facto immigration agents.
“We will not be forced to act as an extension of ICE,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “Our policies are designed to protect communities, not target them.” She noted that her administration has transferred over 1,300 non-citizens with criminal convictions to federal custody.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz clarified that his state does not officially identify as a sanctuary jurisdiction. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker reaffirmed his commitment to following both federal and state law, but added that “law enforcement should build trust, not fear.”

Simultaneously, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the District of Columbia Immigration Compliance Act (H.R. 2056) in a 224–194 vote. Introduced by Republican Representative Clay Higgins, the bill would override local Washington D.C. laws that prohibit authorities from honoring ICE detainer requests — effectively forcing local officials to comply with federal immigration enforcement. The bill now heads to the Senate.

While proponents argue that sanctuary policies hinder public safety, immigrant rights advocates say these measures are vital for protecting due process, preventing racial profiling, and ensuring that undocumented residents can safely report crimes and seek services without fear of deportation.

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