NW Kentucky News

Chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, James Comer, has broadened the scope of the committee’s inquiry into sanctuary jurisdictions, which provide refuge for illegal aliens and challenge federal immigration laws. Comer has reached out to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, and New York Governor Kathy Hochul, requesting their cooperation in providing documents and communications pertaining to their sanctuary policies. Additionally, these governors have been invited to testify at a committee hearing scheduled for May 15, 2025.

In a statement, Chairman Comer emphasized, “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is continuing to investigate sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States and their impact on public safety and the effectiveness of federal efforts to enforce the immigration laws of the United States.” According to him, such jurisdictions and their policies obstruct federal law enforcement officers and endanger public safety.

The investigation into these sanctuary jurisdictions was initiated by Chairman Comer in January 2025, focusing on their effects on public safety and immigration enforcement. Sanctuary jurisdictions, defined as places with certain restrictions on cooperation with federal deportation efforts, decide independently which laws to follow, often protecting removable aliens from federal action. In March, the committee convened 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.

Chairman Comer further noted, “On the first day of his second term, President Donald Trump took decisive actions to restore the rule of law with respect to immigration enforcement.” He emphasized the need for Congress to evaluate additional measures to strengthen border security and public safety, stressing the importance of enforcing federal immigration law to ensure quick removal of criminal aliens.

The letters to the governors of Illinois, Minnesota, and New York can be accessed through their respective links.