The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform has released a video that argues sanctuary policies fail to protect Americans, instead providing refuge for criminal illegal aliens. The release comes ahead of a scheduled hearing on June 12, 2025, at 10:00 AM ET, where Governors JB Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota, and Kathy Hochul of New York will testify regarding their states' sanctuary policies.
Chairman Comer initiated an investigation in January 2025 into the impact of sanctuary jurisdictions on public safety and federal immigration enforcement. Sanctuary jurisdictions are defined as "states, counties or cities that put some limits on how much they are willing to cooperate with federal agencies’ efforts to deport" illegal aliens. These areas independently determine which laws they will enforce, often protecting removable aliens from federal law enforcement.
In March, the Oversight Committee conducted a hearing with four mayors from sanctuary cities: Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, and New York City Mayor Eric Adams.
By April, Chairman Comer had expanded the investigation by requesting documents and communications from Governors Pritzker, Walz, and Hochul concerning their states' sanctuary policies. The governors were also asked to testify before the Committee.
