Minnesota Officials and Immigration Agencies to Testify at Senate Hearing
A tense showdown is brewing in Washington, D.C. as Minnesota officials and heads of major immigration agencies prepare to face off before the Senate Homeland Security Committee. The hearing comes on the heels of a recent immigration crackdown in Minneapolis that has left many questioning the administration's policies and practices.Minnesota Officials to Testify
A panel of Minnesota officials, including Attorney General Keith Ellison, Rep. Tom Emmer, state Rep. Harry Niska, and Paul Schnell, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Corrections, will take the stand first. They will be followed by a second panel featuring testimony from Todd Lyons, acting head of Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Rodney Scott, commissioner of Customs and Border Protection; and Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
Senators Seek Answers on ICE's Use of Force
Homeland Security Committee Chairman Rand Paul has made it clear that senators want to hear both sides of the story. He cited a 'loss of public trust in ICE' following two deadly shootings by federal agents in Minneapolis, and expressed concerns about cooperation between federal and local leaders. Paul emphasized that the hearing is not just about assigning blame, but also about finding solutions.
DHS Funding Remains in Limbo
As the Senate prepares to hear from immigration officials, lawmakers remain at an impasse over how to fund the Department of Homeland Security. Democrats have pledged to oppose a short-term measure to keep DHS funded, citing concerns about ICE's actions and the need for reforms. Without action by Congress, funding would lapse for the agencies, potentially leading to a partial shutdown.
ICE Leaders Defend Immigration Enforcement
The leaders of ICE and CBP defended the Trump administration's mass deportation campaign at a House hearing earlier this week. While they faced tough questioning from lawmakers, they largely declined to comment on the shootings in Minneapolis, citing ongoing investigations.
As the Senate hearing gets underway, one thing is clear: the debate over immigration policy and enforcement practices has reached a boiling point. With so many questions still unanswered, it remains to be seen what solutions will emerge from this critical moment of reckoning.
