Democratic governor Walz draws fire over ‘Gestapo’ crack in House hearing over ‘sanctuary states’: Live updates

Hochul called out Trump Border Czar Tom Homan, who has appeared to threaten to arrest California Governor Gavin Newsom.

“I have the highest duty to protect the people of my state, and indeed, if Tom Homan were to come to try to arrest us, me rather, I can say first of all that he can try,” she said.

“I can also tell you that I will stand in the way of Tom Homan going after people who don’t deserve to be frightened in their communities, who don’t deserve to be threatened or terrorized. I would rather that he came and arrested me than do that to the people of my state,” she added.

Rep. Andy Biggs took aim at Walz, asking, “Do you agree with … your attorney general’s opinion saying that it’s not lawful for Minnesota counties to hold people for immigration authorities, even when there is an immigration warrant, do you agree with his statement?”

“Well, I know you know this, Congressman, that all 87 Minnesota counties follow federal law,” said Walz.

“I don’t know that,” said Biggs.

Hochul slammed Republicans for “putting a federal problem on our laps.”

“And you know what? It gets old. After all, I wish you would just do your jobs,” she added.

Rep. Byron Donalds severely criticized Walz for comparing ICE to Gestapo.

“You realize how disgusting a phrase that is, considering the history of Nazi Germany? Would you like to recant that statement?” said Donalds.

“What I said, Congressman, and I have a long history of supporting law enforcement, I said President Trump was using them as his modern day Gestapo — not identifying who you are, coming up in unmarked bands, taking people away,” Walz responded.

Rep. Brandon Gill pressed Pritzker on whether he wants to abolish ICE.

“I do not support abolishing an immigration force,” said Pritzker.

Gill moved off the topic of immigration to question Pritzker about transgender rights and Hamas.

“Do you think that biological men should be able to use women’s restrooms?”

“I’m not sure how this has to do with” immigration, said Pritzker.

After questioning Pritzker about a tweet saying that everyone should use the opposite gender’s bathroom as a protest to Trump, Gill asked, “Have you ever used the women’s restroom?”

“Not that I can recall,” the governor said.

“Do you support Hamas’ agenda?” asked Gill.

“Sir, I do not. They are a terrorist organization,” Pritzker said.

“Your administration gave a grant to the Muslim Civic Coalition, which, just two weeks after October 7, was marching in the streets of Chicago, to quote, ‘stop the US-backed genocide against Gaza’. Is that a reflection of your values?” Gill pressed.

“I have spent my life fighting anti-Semitism,” Pritzker responded.

Ohio GOP Rep. Jim Jordan went after Hochul for a case involving a man who assaulted law enforcement.

“This guy’s a citizen of Mexico, deported seven times, came to your state, assaulted one of your residents with a machete, choked a police officer, then, when he was in custody, assaulted a corrections officer,” said Jordan. “ICE finds out this guy is in your state’s custody, and they send you a detainer.”

Jordan went on to say that the man was not held.

“We can’t keep the machete guy who would choke the police officer and assault a corrections officer,” he added.

“Was Tompkins County wrong in the actions they took on January 25, 2025, when they wouldn’t hold the guy for one hour and 18 minutes?” Jordan asked.

Hochul attempted to push back, but Jordan repeatedly interrupted her.

The governor said Jordan was “mischaracterizing” the situation.

“This is sanctuary policy, in a nutshell,” said Jordan.

Rep. Kweisi Mfume requested that an article by The Independent be entered into the record.

Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota slammed his state’s governor, Tim Walz, for his “inflammatory” rhetoric.

“It saddens me that you refuse to express regret from comparing ICE to Nazis,” he said. “ICE agents are brave Americans who get up every morning, leave their families, and put their lives in harm’s way to protect our country, sir. You, at the very least, owe an apology to these dedicated public servants.”

“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,” he added. “If you think that’s not a sanctuary state, you shouldn’t be governor.”