Three Democratic governors testified before Congress on Thursday about their states’ immigration policies, as protests against the Trump administration’s mass deportation efforts sweep the country.
Governors Tim Walz of Minnesota, Kathy Hochul of New York, and J.B. Pritzker of Illinois were called to appear before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform long before the clashes in downtown Los Angeles began last week.
Walz drew fire from a number of Republicans on the panel for comparing ICE to President Donald Trump’s “modern-day Gestapo.”
“You realize how disgusting a phrase that is, considering the history of Nazi Germany? Would you like to recant that statement?” said GOP Rep. Byron 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.
The protests against workplace immigration raids escalated after Trump called in the National Guard and the Marines.
House Republicans worked to put down Democrats over immigration policies that the GOP argues protect criminals.
LA protests live: Trump admin threatens military deployment nationwide as rallies flare up across US
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Why anti-ICE protests are spreading across the US
Mapped: the 37 cities where anti-ICE protests have erupted across the US
Karoline Leavitt denies LA crackdown used as distraction from Trump-Musk feud
Democratic governors will defend immigration policies before Republican-led House panel
Thursday 12 June 2025 14:03 , Gustaf KilanderJoey Cappelletti and David A. Lieb write:
As President Donald Trump spars with California's governor over immigration enforcement, Republicans in Congress are calling other Democratic governors to the Capitol on Thursday to question them over policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform posted a video ahead of the hearing highlighting crimes allegedly committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally and pledging that “sanctuary state governors will answer to the American people."
The hearing is to include testimony from Govs. JB Pritzker of Illinois, Tim Walz of Minnesota and Kathy Hochul of New York.
Read more:
Democratic governors will defend immigration policies before Republican-led House panel
On campaign trail, Trump claimed Democrats urged 'migrant crime wave'
Thursday 12 June 2025 14:22 , Gustaf KilanderDuring his campaign last year, Trump claimed that undocumented immigrants are violent and dangerous, arguing that Democrats were behind a “migrant crime wave,” going against the picture painted by official statistics.
Trump issued executive orders earlier this year, taking aim at what’s called sanctuary cities, jurisdictions that restrict their collaboration with federal immigration enforcement. Some have explicit polices protecting undocumented immigrants.
One of the orders issued by the president instructs that federal funds not be granted to cities and counties that don’t work for immigration enforcement.
Why anti-ICE protests are spreading across the US
Thursday 12 June 2025 14:40 , Gustaf KilanderJames Liddell, Mike Bedigan, and Rebecca Whittaker write:
Thousands of Angelenos experienced their second evening of curfew on Wednesday as Mayor Karen Bass continued her crackdown on looters and vandals in downtown Los Angeles.
More demonstrations were scheduled for Thursday, almost a week after a string of ICE raids last Friday sparked a wave of unrest in LA. By Saturday morning, President Donald Trump caused fresh outrage after deploying the National Guard before eventually mobilizing the U.S. Marines days later.
Read more:
Congressional Republicans target areas choosing not to work with federal immigration enforcement
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:00 , Gustaf KilanderCongressional Republicans have pushed bills targeting states and localities choosing not to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
Oversight panel chair Rep. James Comer, a Kentucky Republican, has said that he would use the power of the panel to review the effects of sanctuary legislation.
The panel is one of the most confrontational on the Hill, with at times tense moments from its hearings making the rounds on social media.
Live: Republicans grill Democrat governors Hochul, Walz and Pritzker on immigration policy
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:00 , Gustaf KilanderHearing begins with chairman's opening statement
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:09 , Gustaf KilanderChairman James Comer opened the hearing with his opening statement.
“Today, the House Oversight Committee will continue to examine the consequences of reckless and dangerous sanctuary policies that jeopardize public safety,” he said. “Three sanctuary state governors from Minnesota, New York, and Illinois are here to testify under oath about why they allow criminal illegal aliens to roam free in American communities.”
Comer argues 'unlimited illegal immigration' is Democratic policy
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:14 , Gustaf KilanderComer continued, saying that “Democrat-run sanctuary cities and states are siding with illegal aliens.”
“For today's Democrat party, it seems unlimited illegal immigration isn't a failure of policy, it is the policy, and that agenda is being pushed at every level of government,” he added. “And this comes at a steep cost to public safety, strains law enforcement resources, and imposes a massive financial burden on both federal and state taxpayers.”
'Californians are now forced to navigate an active military zone,' ranking Democrat says
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:17 , Gustaf KilanderThe ranking member of the committee, Democratic Rep. Stephen Lynch, used his opening statement to slam the Trump administration for its handling of immigration issues and the protests in California.
“As we sit in this hearing and at the order of President Trump, the National Guard are on the streets of Los Angeles, and active duty Marines are on their way at Trump's order,” said Lynch. “Californians are now forced to navigate an active military zone in their midst as they try to go to work or decide if it's safe to send their kids to school.”
Lynch says comparing ICE arrest to Gestapo actions is 'appropriate'
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:25 , Gustaf KilanderAfter Comer slammed Walz for comparing ICE to Trump’s Gestapo, Lynch pushed back.
“In late March, ICE agents wearing masks and hoodies detained Rümeysa Öztürk, and those of you who watched that, that abduction, when you compare the old films of the Gestapo grabbing people off the streets of Poland, and you compare them to those nondescript thugs who grabbed that that student, that graduate student, it does look like a Gestapo operation,” he said.
“She was snatched away and detained 1700 miles away. Her Congresswoman couldn't reach her, her family couldn't reach her. She was held incommunicado 1700 miles away. Her attorney could not reach her,” said Lynch.
“Yeah, that was Gestapo. That's an appropriate comparison,” he added.
Walz pushes back on notion Minnesota is a 'sanctuary state'
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:31 , Gustaf KilanderIn his opening statement, Walz defended his state, saying, “Minnesota has been ranked the fourth best state to live in, the second best state to raise a family in, and the third best state for jobs.”
“When it comes to serious crime, Minnesota has hit its lowest level in over three decades, and we consistently have lower violent crime rates than the US average,” he said.
He pushed back on the notion that Minnesota is a sanctuary state.
“Minnesota is not even a sanctuary state. The Minnesota legislature has passed no such bill making Minnesota a sanctuary state, and I have signed no such law. Minnesota cooperates with federal authorities in a number of ways,” he argued.
Pritzker says border state politicians treat immigrants as 'political pawns'
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:37 , Gustaf KilanderPritzker said Illinois has “been strengthened by people from across the globe, seeking freedom, opportunity, and refuge here.”
“Recently, children, pregnant women, and others fled poverty, violence, and persecution, seeking asylum at our border,” he added. “Some border state politicians chose to treat them as political pawns, bussing them to states like mine and dropping them off in the dead of night in the freezing cold.”
“Illinois chose a different path,” he added. “Faced with a humanitarian crisis, our state made sure children and families did not go hungry or freeze to death. By doing so, we helped to maintain safety and order.”
Trump says farmers complain about his immigration policy
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:40 , Gustaf KilanderTrump took to Truth Social on Thursday to say that “our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long-time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace.”
“In many cases the Criminals allowed into our Country by the VERY Stupid Biden Open Borders Policy are applying for those jobs,” he added. “This is not good. We must protect our Farmers, but get the CRIMINALS OUT OF THE USA. Changes are coming!”
'We don't do civil immigration enforcement,' Hochul says
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:43 , Gustaf KilanderIn her opening statement, Hochul said, “Since I've become governor, we've cooperated in handing over 1300 convicted criminals to ICE.”
“But what we don't do is civil immigration enforcement. That's the federal government's job,” she added. “New Yorkers need their state troopers on our highways seizing guns and drugs.”
“States like mine are doing our part, but we can't be expected to fix the broken immigration system,” said Hochul.
In pictures: Democratic governors testify before Congress
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:46 , Gustaf Kilander
Comer calls comparison between ICE and Gestapo 'offensive'
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:51 , Gustaf KilanderComer began questioning by taking aim at Walz, calling the comparison between ICE and the Gestapo “offensive.”
“Do you think that comments like that and rhetoric like that put ICE officers and other law enforcement in greater danger?” he asked.
Walz said any attacks on law enforcement are unacceptable, but was soon interrupted by Comer, who changed his focus to Pritzker.
Comer presses Walz on Biden's 'cognitive decline'
Thursday 12 June 2025 15:55 , Gustaf KilanderComer pressed Walz on whether he ever asked “Vice President Harris about former President Biden's and then President Biden's cognitive decline?”
“No, not that I can recall,” said Walz.
“As governor, and then being on the ticket, I was probably more concerned with my own debate performance than President Biden’s,” he added.
Stefanik accuses Hochul of 'shielding illegals'
Thursday 12 June 2025 16:05 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Elise Stefanik of New York pressed her state’s governor, Kathy Hochul, on a number of crimes in the state.
“You are not advocating on behalf of these victims, you are shielding illegals,” said Stefanik.
“Rather than addressing the illegals in New York, you're prioritizing your far-left sanctuary state policy,” she added.
Hochul pushed back, saying her administration cooperates with ICE.
WATCH: Stefanik goes after Hochul amid consideration of gubernatorial run
Thursday 12 June 2025 16:11 , Gustaf KilanderStefanik, who is considering a gubernatorial run, uses her questioning time to try to demolish Kathy Hochul pic.twitter.com/rvfqXigTY6
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 12, 2025
Emmer slams Walz for 'comparing ICE to Nazis'
Thursday 12 June 2025 16:17 , Gustaf KilanderRep. 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.”
Rep. Mfume enters article into the record
Thursday 12 June 2025 16:21 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Kweisi Mfume requested that an article by The Independent be entered into the record.
Read it here:
Critically ill Mexican girl, 4, could die in days if deported under Trump order
'This is sanctuary policy, in a nutshell': Jordan blasts Hochul
Thursday 12 June 2025 16:30 , Gustaf KilanderOhio 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. Brandon Gill questions Pritzker on trans issues and Hamas
Thursday 12 June 2025 16:46 , Gustaf KilanderRep. 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.
Donalds calls on Walz to 'recant' Gestapo statement
Thursday 12 June 2025 16:53 , Gustaf KilanderRep. 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.
Hochul criticizes GOP for putting 'federal' problem on states
Thursday 12 June 2025 16:57 , Gustaf KilanderHochul 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.
Andy Biggs questions Walz on immigration enforcement in Minnesota
Thursday 12 June 2025 17:18 , Gustaf KilanderRep. 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 calls out Homan
Thursday 12 June 2025 17:27 , Gustaf KilanderHochul 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.
WATCH: Jim Jordan and Kathy Hochul get into heated back and forth during immigration hearing
Thursday 12 June 2025 17:46 , Gustaf KilanderDemocrat calls out Trump for 'undermining the rights that protect all of us'
Thursday 12 June 2025 18:03 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Greg Casar, Democrat of Texas, blasted the Trump administration for focusing “not on violent criminals, but on indiscriminately rounding up as many people as possible.”
“Trump is targeting people going to work at Home Depot and 7-Eleven, ignoring gangs,” he added. “Trump is targeting people trying to follow the rules and go to a court hearing, ignoring those who commit real violence.”
“Donald Trump is undermining the rights that protect all of us, no matter who we are and where we come from,” said Casar.
'I don't call federal law enforcement officers Gestapo': Fallon targets Walz
Thursday 12 June 2025 18:09 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Pat Fallon of Texas, a Republican, like many members of the GOP have during the hearing, targeted Walz for his comments comparing ICE to the Gestapo.
“This is my definition of Gestapo, governor: Real Nazis from 1933 to 1945 that facilitated, participated in, the murder of millions. I don't call federal law enforcement officers Gestapo,” said Fallon.
“Governor, you're a big boy. Put your big boy pants on,” he added.
Walz called on ICE agents to “don't wear masks” and “identify who you are.”
Rep. Rashida Tlaib questions Hochul about Mahmoud Khalil
Thursday 12 June 2025 18:23 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Rashida Tlaib questioned Hochul about the detention of Mahmoud Khalil.
“Your constituent, Mahmoud Khalil, is still in ICE detention. Are you aware of him?” she asked.
“Very much so, and I'm hoping he's returned home on Friday,” said Hochul.
“He's a legal permanent resident. He was kidnapped over three months ago,” Tlaib noted.
Tlaib noted that Khalil’s son “was born while he was kidnapped and illegally detained by our country.”
Tlaib reads from statement submitted by Mahmoud Khalil
Thursday 12 June 2025 18:28 , Alex WoodwardRep. Tlaib just read from a sworn statement submitted by Mahmoud Khalil in his case, playing out in federal court, where he’s questioning the constitutionality of his arrest.
Read more:
Mahmoud calls Trump attacks ‘efforts to erase my humanity’
Last night, the judge overseeing that case issued a preliminary injunction partially blocking the Trump administration from detaining and deporting him.
The judge issued a stay on that decision until tomorrow morning, giving the government time to appeal.
Khalil’s “career and reputation are being damaged and his speech is being chilled,” the judge wrote, and the government has “little or no interest in applying the relevant underlying statutes in what is likely an unconstitutional way.”
AOC calls out Republican for witness intimidation
Thursday 12 June 2025 18:35 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez called out Rep. Gary Palmer for raising the prospect of charges against the governors, calling it “a form of intimidation.”
Palmer said, “Your sanctuary policies now constitute a threat to our national security.”
“You're in violation of federal law,” he added, calling for charges to be filed for “obstruction.”
“Charges ... for obstruction should be brought against each one of you for doing this,” said Palmer. “I'll leave that up to the Department of Justice.”
Rep. Jasmine Crockett says Trump admin is exploiting 'so-called' LA riots
Thursday 12 June 2025 18:42 , Gustaf KilanderCrockett says the admin is exploiting "so-called riots" in LA: "They want to say it's riots because they don't want people to talk about the Epstein files or whatever's poppin' off."
— David Weigel (@daveweigel) June 12, 2025
Gosar tells governors: 'I will see that you are held accountable'
Thursday 12 June 2025 18:46 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Paul Gosar told the governors that he would “work tirelessly with President Trump to secure the border, build the wall, stop the ... fatal fentanyl into our nation.”
He added: “And I will see that you are held accountable for ... crimes against the people of the United States. Our immigration system is not broken. We just needed somebody like Donald Trump to uphold the rule of law.”
WATCH: Republican threatens governors with charges
Thursday 12 June 2025 18:55 , Gustaf KilanderPalmer: Charges should be brought against each one of you
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 12, 2025
AOC: Raising the prospect of charges against witnesses is a form of intimidation is it not?
Palmer: I strike those words pic.twitter.com/uXbu8HqeYO
Republican refers to 'Gulf of Mexico' instead of 'Gulf of America'
Thursday 12 June 2025 19:00 , Gustaf KilanderWisconsin Republican Rep. Glenn Grothman referred to the “Gulf of Mexico” even after Trump had designated it as the “Gulf of America.”
“The question is, when people come into this country and break those laws. Do you believe they should be enforced?” he asked. “Let's say people come into this country. You know, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, however they come here, should they be spun around and sent back out of the country, or should we just allow them to stay here?”
Perry questions governors on allegation Trump broke the law
Thursday 12 June 2025 19:07 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Scott Perry questioned the governors on allegations that Trump broke the law.
“Governor Pritzker, you said, I think, numerous times now, that the President broke the law. You're an attorney,” said Perry.
“So, just can you cite which laws ... he's broken?” he asked.
“Well, there have been congressionally approved appropriations that this President has cut off, and we've had to go to court — that's illegal,” said Pritzker.
'Is this North Korea?': Democrat outlines why she thinks Trump is a 'dictator'
Thursday 12 June 2025 19:13 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Yassamin Ansari continually called Trump a “dictator” during her remarks.
“Mr. Perry just mocked us for referring to Donald Trump as a dictator. So let's, let's run through the list,” she said. “Donald Trump has since he was inaugurated pardoned violent January 6 insurrectionists — dictator.”
“Defied Supreme Court orders and attacked the judiciary — Dictator. Unilaterally abolished congressionally chartered federal agencies — dictator,” she added. “Attacked the free press. Sounds like a dictator.”
She said Trump “kidnapped people off of the streets and deported them to foreign prisons without due process. Sounds like a dictator.”
“Defunded higher education — Dictator. Threatened law firms and the legal profession — Dictator,” said Ansari.
“This weekend, he is spending tens of millions of dollars to host a massive military parade for his birthday. Is this North Korea?” she asked.
MTG calls for Hochul to be 'prosecuted' for murder of Laken Riley
Thursday 12 June 2025 19:22 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Marjorie Taylor Greene argued that Hochul protected “monsters” with her “sanctuary” state policies.
She went through a number of violent crimes by undocumented immigrants.
Speaking about Laken Riley, Greene raised her voice, saying, "This little girl right here, she would be alive today, if you weren't such a treasonous governor supporting sanctuary laws in the state of New York, this little girl would be alive today, and her mother very much would like for her to be alive."
“The Department of Justice should prosecute you for her murder,” Greene added.
Burchett: 'Never compare anything dealing with the Holocaust, except for the Holocaust'
Thursday 12 June 2025 19:33 , Gustaf KilanderLike many other Republicans, Rep. Tim Burchett called out Walz for comparing ICE to the Gestapo.
“I have a couple rules in my office, but one of them — just never compare anything dealing with the Holocaust, except for the Holocaust,” said Burchett. “I think that it desensitizes people about what really went on in Nazi Germany.”
Burchett says Padilla 'rushed the podium'
Thursday 12 June 2025 19:43 , Gustaf KilanderBurchett commented on the detention of Sen. Alex Padilla after he attempted to ask a question at a press conference with the Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
“Mr. Chairman, for the record, he rushed the podium. He was being disruptive, and that is not conducive to a senator,” he said.
Read more:
Alex Padilla forcibly removed after interrupting Kristi Noem’s immigration presser
Nancy Mace calls Walz 'bigot' and 'misogynist'
Thursday 12 June 2025 19:48 , Gustaf KilanderIn a lengthy back-and-forth with Walz, Rep. Nancy Mace ended her questioning with the question, “What is a woman?”
Walz said he wasn’t sure what she wanted him to say.
Raising her voice, Mace said, "I want you to say that a woman like me is an adult human female, that men can't become women. You guys are the party of violence, and you're the party erasing women. You don't respect us; you're a bigot. You're a misogynist, you're a sexist."
Hearing devolves into shouting match
Thursday 12 June 2025 19:58 , Gustaf KilanderThe hearing devolved into a shouting match as Rep. Frost called for the subpoeaing of Sec. Noem.
Comer repeatedly told Frost to “shut up” and Rep. Greene called him a “former Antifa” member, however, she subsequently revised her remarks to say that he was arrested at a voting rights rally.
Hochul asks MTG if it's 'illegal' to be a Democrat
Thursday 12 June 2025 20:04 , Gustaf KilanderGreene said, “Governor Hochul, you stated that you're a proud, registered Democrat.”
“Yes, I did. Is that illegal now, too, in your country?” said Hochul.
Speaking about Laken Riley, Greene went on to accuse Hochul and the Democrats of giving “aid and comfort to monsters, especially one that was arrested in your state and let go because of your policies in your state.”
Luna attempts to connect LA protests
Thursday 12 June 2025 20:13 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Anna Paulina Luna attempted to connect the protests in California to the Chinese Communist Party.
“I would like to take this opportunity to educate the American people on what's really happening right now with these riots,” she said. “So I see right now there's a lot of back and forth and finger pointing, but the fact is that there is a financial tie to these riots, tied to immigration, that actually leads right back to the Communist Chinese party.”
WATCH: Jim Jordan and Kathy Hochul get into heated back and forth during immigration hearing
Thursday 12 June 2025 20:30 , Gustaf KilanderSenator Padilla makes a statement after being forcibly removed from Noem press conference
Thursday 12 June 2025 21:00 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Tim Burchett commented on Padilla’s removal from the press briefing with Sec. Noem during the hearing, saying, “Mr. Chairman, for the record, he rushed the podium. He was being disruptive, and that is not conducive to a senator.”
House approves Trump’s request to cut funding for NPR, PBS and foreign aid
Thursday 12 June 2025 21:19 , APThe House narrowly voted Thursday to cut about $9.4 billion in spending already approved by Congress as President Donald Trump’s administration looks to follow through on work by the Department of Government Efficiency when it was overseen by Elon Musk.
The package targets foreign aid programs and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, which provides money for National Public Radio and the Public Broadcasting Service, as well as thousands of public radio and television stations around the country. The vote was 214-212.
Republicans are characterizing the spending as wasteful and unnecessary, but Democrats say the rescissions are hurting the United States’ standing in the world and will lead to needless deaths.
“Cruelty is the point,” Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said of the proposed spending cuts.
Burlison calls on Walz to apologize for Gestapo comments
Thursday 12 June 2025 21:30 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Eric Burlison also called on Walz to apologize for comparing ICE to the Gestapo.
“What I said is using a historical reference on authoritarianism,” said Walz.
When asked if he would make the same comparison, Pritzker said: “It's not a word I would use, but I will say that I understand the sentiments that people feel.”
WATCH: Comer tells Frost to 'shut up'
Thursday 12 June 2025 21:35 , Gustaf KilanderIt’s off the rails in Oversight
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 12, 2025
Comer tells Frost to shut up
Marjorie Taylor Greene accuses him of being a member of Antifa pic.twitter.com/E4VEGaYQUi
Crane asks Walz how he did with 'white guys' in the 2024 election
Thursday 12 June 2025 21:35 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Eli Crane asked Walz how he performed with “white guys” in the 2024 election.
“You lost by 22 points to white guys, and it's because you talk like the way you do, you say the things you do, and you have this radical left wing ideology,” said Crane. “So if you want to continue that rhetoric, go on, brother, keep doing it. We'll keep destroying you in elections.”
“The people of Minnesota will continue to have me serve them,” Walz responded.
'I cannot believe the disrespect that was shown to a United States senator'
Thursday 12 June 2025 21:39 , Gustaf KilanderCommenting on the brief arrest of Sen. Padilla, Pritzker said, “I want to say to all of you, all of you on both sides, but particularly those on the Republican side, that I cannot believe the disrespect that was shown to a United States senator who was thrown down, handcuffed and not allowed to ask a question of our Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem.”
“That seems completely irrational,” he said.
Goldman calls out 'authoritarian, lawless behavior'
Thursday 12 June 2025 21:43 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Goldman called on Republicans to “take a breath “before you once again desperately run to bend the knee to Donald Trump.”
He added that “anyone with two eyes that can see can see that that was authoritarian, lawless behavior that no person in America, much less a senator conducting constitutional oversight, should have received,” about the brief arrest of Sen. Padilla.
“I know it's hard for all of you to speak up against Donald Trump, and that's why we're here at this hearing, talking all about Joe Biden,” said Goldman.
Republican rep tells Democratic governors they're 'breaking the law'
Thursday 12 June 2025 21:50 , Gustaf KilanderRep. John McGuire told the governors, “All illegal aliens have committed a crime and should be deported.”
“Any additional act of violence committed by an illegal alien is entirely preventable,” he added. “All sanctuary judicial jurisdictions are unlawful. Each of you are breaking the law, and my message to you, or the message from the people, is you need to get it straight.”
Boebert says LA protests amount to 'insurrection'
Thursday 12 June 2025 22:03 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Lauren Boebert engaged in a shouting match with Pritzker over the January 6, 2021, insurrection.
“I find it hard to believe that you're lecturing us about peaceful protest. Look at what happened January 6 here at the Capitol,” said Pritzker.
Boebert shot back that the LA protests amount to an “insurrection.”
'I am not going to be lectured to by somebody who extols the virtue of Hitler'
Thursday 12 June 2025 22:24 , Gustaf KilanderPritzker to Mary Miller: I am not going to be lectured to by somebody who extols the virtue of Hitler. pic.twitter.com/Ja0X6cYYgJ
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 12, 2025
Pritzker tells Boebert 'you don’t understand what an insurrection is'
Thursday 12 June 2025 22:40 , Gustaf KilanderIn their shouting match, Boebert told Pritzker that “What we’re seeing in LA is an insurrection.”
“You don’t understand what an insurrection is. It is outrageous that you are asking that when you are the one condoning the pardoning of people that attacked police,” Pritzker responded.
Boebert: What we’re seeing in LA is an insurrection
— Acyn (@Acyn) June 12, 2025
Pritzker: You don’t know understand what insurrection is. It is outrageous that you are asking that when you are the one condoning the pardoning of people that attacked police. pic.twitter.com/iOrhvzK8JV
'I'm disgusted with you': Stauber shouts down Walz
Thursday 12 June 2025 22:45 , Gustaf KilanderRep. Pete Stauber shouted at Walz over his National Guard service and his comparison of ICE to the Gestapo.
“I'm disgusted with you,” Stauber told Walz, who remained calm during the intense exchange.
Jan 6 cops file lawsuit to force Congress to install honorary plaque at Capitol
Thursday 12 June 2025 23:00 , Mike BediganTwo police officers who were on duty during the January 6 insurrection have filed a civil lawsuit after a memorial plaque to honor those who defended the building was not put up.
Harry Dunn, a former officer of the United States Capitol Police, and Daniel Hodges, who currently serves in the Metropolitan Police Department, say the agency that operates and maintains the Capitol is violating a law that required a plaque to be erected.
Read more:
Jan 6 cops file lawsuit to force Congress to install honorary plaque at Capitol
Hearing concludes
Thursday 12 June 2025 23:01 , Gustaf KilanderThe hearing concluded with some comments from Comer, saying, “The purpose of this hearing is to try to get the illegal immigrants, the criminal illegal immigrants, out of this country.”
“And I think that's a goal that the overwhelming majority of Americans have,” he added.
Coca-Cola and other companies losing sales as Hispanic residents stay home and skip shopping over arrest fears
Friday 13 June 2025 00:00 , Rhian LubinCoca-Cola and other major brands have seen sales slip in recent months, partly due to Hispanic customers pulling back from stores and staying home amid “a fear of Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids.”
The soft drink giant expressed concern after its sales volume in North America fell 3 percent in the first quarter of 2025.
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Coca-Cola and others losing sales as Hispanics stay home over ICE arrest fears
Thunderstorms could dampen Trump’s big birthday parade and may even lead to its cancelation
01:00 , Rachel DobkinForecasted thunderstorms in Washington D.C. could dampen President Donald Trump’s big birthday parade this weekend and may even lead to its cancelation.
In honor of the Army’s 250th birthday, Trump has pushed for a parade officials estimate will cost up to $45 million — which also happens to fall on the president’s 79th birthday.
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Thunderstorms could dampen Trump’s birthday parade and even lead to its cancelation
‘We’re gonna have troops everywhere’: Trump’s use of the military to quell protests is a shocking abuse of power, experts warn
02:00 , Richard HallDonald Trump sending in the military to quell protests in Los Angeles and threatening to do the same in other American cities is an “unprecedented” use of presidential power that will have a “chilling” effect on free speech and protest, legal and political experts have warned.
“They're soldiers, and soldiers are trained to fight wars, not to enforce civilian laws. They're not trained to protect the civil liberties of the people and to respect protests,” William C. Banks, a legal professor at Syracuse University, told The Independent.
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Trump’s use of the military to quell protests is a ‘shocking abuse of power’
WATCH: Trump insists 'I'm not a king at all' ahead of military parade and protests
03:01 , Gustaf KilanderDemocratic Sen. Alex Padilla handcuffed and forcibly removed from Kristi Noem’s immigration press conference
04:00 , Justin BaragonaSen. Alex Padilla was forcibly removed by what appeared to be law enforcement officials Thursday after he interrupted a Los Angeles press conference of Kristi Noem, who was discussing the Trump administration’s response to the ongoing anti-ICE demonstrations.
“We are not going away,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Noem declared. “We are staying here to liberate the city from the socialists and the burdensome leadership that this governor and that this mayor have placed on this country and what they have tried to insert into the city.”
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Alex Padilla forcibly removed after interrupting Kristi Noem’s immigration presser
Marjorie Taylor Greene rips Trump Mideast policy saying ‘Americans don’t want to bomb Iran’ for Israel
05:00 , John BowdenA top MAGA firebrand in Congress, who has been a staunch supporter of Donald Trump, has come out strongly against the president’s policy of defending Israel against regional aggressors like Iran.
Marjorie Taylor Greene joined the chorus of both “America First” isolationists and far-left progressives opposed to the U.S. being drawn into a war with Iran as she tweeted late Wednesday evening: “Americans don’t want to bomb Iran because the secular government of Israel says that Iran is on the verge of developing a nuclear bomb any day now.”
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Marjorie Taylor Greene rips Trump Israel policy — ‘Americans don’t want to bomb Iran’
Trump insists ‘not a king at all’ as he’s pressed on abuse of power concerns over tank-adorned DC birthday parade
06:00 , Andrew FeinbergDays ahead of the militaristic parade he has ordered up for his 79th birthday, President Donald Trump has denied having any monarchical pretensions even as he continues to face questions over his use of American soldiers and marines to help put down protests over his harsh immigration enforcement efforts.
Speaking in the East Room during an impromptu press conference after signing legislation to block California’s ability to regulate vehicle emissions and push for more electric vehicle sales in an effort to protect the state’s air quality, Trump was asked about protests planned for Saturday as part of what organizers are calling “No Kings Day” to coincide with the parade, which is ostensibly meant to mark the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army.
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Trump insists ‘not a king at all’ as he’s pressed on tank-adorned DC birthday parade
House passes bill to to combat fentanyl trafficking, sending it to Trump's desk
07:00 , Matt BrownThe House overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation Thursday that would solidify federal policies cracking down on the synthetic opioid fentanyl and its analogs in a bid by lawmakers to combat the nation’s opioid epidemic.
The HALT Fentanyl Act makes permanent a 2018 emergency rule that classifies knockoffs of fentanyl as Schedule I controlled substances, which results in harsher sentences for possession of the drug. The bill passed the House 321-104 and now heads to President Donald Trump for his signature.
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House passes bill to to combat fentanyl trafficking, sending it to Trump's desk
WATCH: Trump complains his own anti-immigration agenda is hurting farmers
08:00 , Gustaf KilanderUS faith leaders opposed to ICE raids counsel nonviolent resistance and lead by example
09:00 , Luis Andres Henao, Deepa BharathWhen the Rev. Edward Anderson rallied in Los Angeles this week against the Trump administration's intensifying immigration crackdown, he positioned himself between law enforcement and his fellow protesters, serving as a human buffer.
Anderson, who leads McCarty Memorial Christian Church in the city's West Adams Terrace neighborhood, believes he was upholding his moral duty to stand against injustice, but in a nonviolent manner that his faith demands.
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US faith leaders opposed to ICE raids counsel nonviolent resistance and lead by example
Trump admits his anti-immigration agenda is hurting farmers and hotels: ‘Taking very good workers away’
10:00 , Alex WoodwardDonald Trump appeared to concede that his aggressive anti-immigration campaign is debilitating American farmers and hotel businesses, marking a rare public admission that his promise of the “largest deportation operation in American history” comes at a significant cost.
“Our great Farmers and people in the Hotel and Leisure business have been stating that our very aggressive policy on immigration is taking very good, long time workers away from them, with those jobs being almost impossible to replace,” the president wrote on Truth Social on Thursday.
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Trump admits his anti-immigration agenda is hurting farmers and hotel business
Ramming cars and raiding churches: The ways ICE is becoming more aggressive in arresting migrants
11:00 , Rhian LubinRamming cars, sledgehammering windows and raiding churches in pursuit of migrants appears to be the new norm for Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents in Trump’s America.
Democratic lawmakers have questioned “the appropriateness, proportionality, and execution of ICE tactics,” while immigration attorneys say the agency’s approach has escalated after a series of high-profile incidents over recent weeks.
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Ramming cars and raiding churches: ICE getting more aggressive in arresting migrants
Hegseth says the Pentagon has contingency plans to invade Greenland if necessary
12:00 , Lolita C. Baldor, Tara CoppDefense Secretary Pete Hegseth appeared to acknowledge that the Pentagon has developed plans to take over Greenland and Panama by force if necessary but refused to answer repeated questions at a hotly combative congressional hearing Thursday about his use of Signal chats to discuss military operations.
Democratic members of the House Armed Services Committee repeatedly got into heated exchanges with Hegseth, with some of the toughest lines of questioning coming from military veterans as many demanded yes or no answers and he tried to avoid direct responses about his actions as Pentagon chief.
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Hegseth says the Pentagon has contingency plans to invade Greenland if necessary
CIA releases 1,400 new pages of investigative file into RFK assassination, including chilling note from his killer
13:00 , Ariana BaioThe CIA released a new batch of declassified documents Thursday related to the government’s investigation into the assassination of Robert F, Kennedy in 1968, which includes a copy of a note that Kennedy’s killer, Sirhan Sirhan, wrote.
Per President Donald Trump’s executive order directing agencies to declassify materials in cases of public interest, including RFK and his brother John F. Kennedy’s assassinations, the CIA released 54 declassified documents, amounting to 1,400 pages.
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CIA releases more files in RFK assassination, including note from his killer
She beat Stephen Miller in the race for high school class president. Now she’s fighting his deportation efforts
14:00 , Ariana BaioCynthia Santiago, an attorney in Southern California, won her high school presidential class race against Stephen Miller, the current White House Deputy Chief of Staff. More than 20 years later, Santiago is trying to fight Miller’s mass deportation efforts.
Santiago, the daughter of immigrants, has been working to defend immigrants’ rights since 2012. But having gone to school with Miller, watching his rise to prominence in President Donald Trump’s world, and the actions of the administration he is a senior member of, worried her.
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Stephen Miller’s high school class president is fighting his deportation efforts
