Democratic Governors on Sanctuary Cities Hearing: Opening Statements

State Cooperation with Federal Immigration Enforcement

• 💡 Minnesota is not a sanctuary state, and its legislature has not passed such a bill. The state cooperates with federal authorities on convicted felons and when due process has been afforded.
• 🎯 Enforcing immigration law is not the role of local and state governments, but rather the federal government's responsibility.
• 🔑 Illinois follows the law and expects the federal government to do the same, refusing to participate in abuses of power or violate the Constitution.
• 📌 New York cooperates with ICE in criminal cases and treats all law-abiding people with dignity and respect, while acknowledging the federal government's role in civil immigration enforcement.

Criticisms of Federal Immigration Policies

• 🚀 Minnesota criticizes the federal government's policies for snatching people, imprisoning them, and deporting them without due process, citing cases of individuals deported without notice or opportunity to object.
• ⚠️ The federal administration's policies are described as cruel and misguided, failing to uphold constitutional values and causing distress to American citizens.
• ⚖️ Illinois highlights instances where border state politicians have treated asylum seekers as political pawns, bussing them to other states in harsh conditions.
• 💔 New York condemns the practice of separating children from their mothers and families being arrested during legal immigration appointments, calling it an assault on American values.

State-Level Immigration and Public Safety

• 📊 Minnesota has achieved low crime rates, ranking high for quality of life and jobs, while emphasizing that its actions do not impede federal border security efforts.
• 📈 Illinois has seen a decrease in violent crime due to expanded state police, assault weapon bans, and violence prevention investments, while also welcoming immigrants who contribute to the economy.
• 🌟 New York has maintained safety and a low homicide rate despite an influx of immigrants by investing in public safety, targeted policing, and cooperating with federal law enforcement to deport serious criminals.

Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform

• 🗣️ Governors emphasize the need for comprehensive immigration reform from Congress, including securing the border, reviving legal pathways, and allowing people to work.
• 🤝 There's a call for bipartisan legislation to address the immigration crisis effectively and humanely, rather than engaging in blame games.
• 🇺🇸 The speakers advocate for a sensible, humane, and effective immigration policy that reduces illegal immigration while protecting fundamental rights and upholding constitutional values.