Emmer, Walz Clash on Capitol Hill Over Minnesota’s Status as ‘Sanctuary State’

(KNSI) – U.S. Congressman Tom Emmer (R-CD06) and Governor Tim Walz had a heated exchange during a Thursday morning hearing about Minnesota’s status as a sanctuary state.

Minnesota is among 14 states and hundreds of cities and counties recently listed by the Department of Homeland Security as “sanctuary jurisdictions defying federal immigration law.”

The DHS list was later removed after criticism that it errantly included some local governments that support federal immigration policies. Stearns County was mentioned in the list, and county officials said they had no warning or notice of the listing and were given no guidance on what policies landed them on the list or how to correct them.

Walz appeared on Capitol Hill and testified that Minnesota wasn’t a sanctuary for illegal immigrants because a bill proposing so failed in the state Legislature in 2023. House Republican Majority Whip Emmer took exception, feeling the state’s actions speak louder than words. “Governor, your agenda is clear. Free health care, free college and driver’s licenses for illegals while handcuffing law enforcement when they’re trying to protect our citizens and their communities. If you think that’s not a sanctuary state, you shouldn’t be governor.”

Emmer told Walz the real issue was Minnesota’s refusal to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents. “While states like Florida and Virginia empower their law enforcement to detain and remove criminal illegal aliens, you, sir, have done just the opposite. Your Attorney General is directing law enforcement to ignore ICE immigration detainers. Do you agree with the Attorney General’s guidance?”

Walz refused to answer directly: “First, I would say my job as governor of Minnesota is to make Minnesota the best state in the nation…”

Emmer quickly interrupted and restated the question. Walz responded: “Congressman, what I would say on this is that Minnesota follows all law.”

When Emmer repeated his assertion that Minnesota wasn’t working with federal agents, Walz denied it. The congressman then stated: “You’re not a sanctuary state, but you support policies that prevent ICE from doing their job.”

Walz retorted: “That is incorrect, Congressman.”

The heated exchange continued, with the governor ultimately arguing: “Enforcing immigration law is not the role of local and state governments.”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and New York Governor Kathy Hochul were also in the hot seat as they’re being accused of turning their states into magnets for illegal aliens.

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