WASHINGTON – In a tense and highly anticipated hearing, three Democratic governors—Kathy Hochul of New York, JB Pritzker of Illinois, and Tim Walz of Minnesota—faced tough questions from a Republican-led House committee on Thursday about the nation’s immigration policies. The hearing comes on the heels of a controversial escalation by former President Donald Trump, who has intensified crackdowns on undocumented immigrants, sparking protests and national debate.
The situation has grown increasingly volatile. In recent days, downtown Los Angeles has seen waves of protestors marching against mass arrests. Trump’s decision to deploy the National Guard and Marines to California has only added fuel to an already blazing fire.
But amidst the political noise and hardline stances, these governors brought a message of balance—one that recognizes the need for secure borders while pushing back against what they see as inhumane treatment and political theater.
California Governor Gavin Newsom, a possible 2028 presidential candidate, didn’t hold back in a recent video address, criticizing Trump for prioritizing “theatrics over public safety.” His comments reflect growing concerns among Democrats about the aggressive tactics being employed at the border.
Governor Pritzker acknowledged the need for immigration enforcement, stating clearly, “If they are undocumented, we want them out of Illinois and out of our country.” But his remarks didn’t end there. He went on to passionately defend those who have built lives in the U.S., saying, “Law-abiding, hardworking, tax-paying people who have been in this country for years should have a path to citizenship.”
Minnesota’s Governor Walz echoed a similar tone—tough on illegal immigration, but compassionate toward local governments navigating complex realities. “Minnesota is not a sanctuary state,” he clarified, while emphasizing that the state respects the autonomy of cities and counties to comply with federal law in ways that work for them.
As Trump continues to campaign on a platform that emphasizes strict immigration enforcement, polls suggest that this issue remains one of his strongest suits with voters. But Democratic governors are trying to thread a different needle—offering Americans a path that values both security and humanity.
