As the 2024 elections approach, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz faces mounting criticism from Republicans over his immigration policies, particularly his support for sanctuary cities and robust refugee resettlement efforts.
At a Glance:
- Gov. Walz chosen as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate
- GOP criticizes Walz’s support for sanctuary cities and illegal immigrant benefits
- Republicans claim sanctuary policies lead to increased crime and taxpayer burdens
- Walz’s immigration stance becomes major talking point in upcoming elections
Walz’s Selection as Harris’ Running Mate Sparks Controversy
The selection of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate has ignited a firestorm of criticism from Republicans. The GOP is leveraging Walz’s immigration policies to question his suitability for national office and appeal to voters concerned about border security and illegal immigration.
Republicans are attacking Tim Walz for his policies related to immigration. https://t.co/JMOZYDqydN
— ABC 17 News (@ABC17News) August 9, 2024
Walz’s Immigration Record Under Scrutiny
Governor Walz’s record on immigration has come under intense scrutiny from Republicans. During his tenure, Walz has supported policies such as granting driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants and advocated for making Minnesota a sanctuary state. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has accused Walz of providing benefits to illegal immigrants and highlighted his creation of an “Office of New Americans.”
“Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are two open borders, weak on crime, defund the police liberals who make up the most radical, far-left ticket in the history of our country,” – RNC Chairman Michael Whatley said in a statement.
Walz has also been criticized for dismissing former President Trump’s border wall efforts, suggesting investment in ladder factories instead. This stance has been seen by Republicans as emblematic of a lax approach to border security.
GOP Concerns Over Sanctuary State Proposal
Republicans have expressed deep concern over the proposed North STAR Act, which would make Minnesota a sanctuary state. The act would prohibit local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration enforcement and ban state officials from enforcing civil immigration laws.
Minnesota’s Republican Congressional delegation sent a letter to Governor Walz detailing their concerns about the sanctuary state proposal. They argue that sanctuary policies have failed in other jurisdictions, leading to an influx of illegal immigrants and increased use of public resources.
“The ‘Sanctuary City/State’ experiment has proven to be an utter failure. These states and municipalities have become overrun with illegal immigrants and have used public schools, recreation centers, and parks to shelter these individuals. Now, residents in certain parts of the country are being asked to shelter illegal immigrants in their homes. We would like to remind you of the terrorist recently caught in Minneapolis who entered our country illegally through the southern border. Minnesotans do not need more crime and unknown terrorists in their towns and cities.”
The letter also highlights the potential economic impact of sanctuary policies, claiming they could cost taxpayers billions of dollars in an already high-tax state.
Walz’s Stance on Immigration Enforcement
Governor Walz has maintained that while he supports federal enforcement of immigration laws, he opposes local law enforcement involvement in such matters. This position has drawn criticism from those who believe local cooperation is essential for effective immigration control.
“My position on Minnesota becoming a sanctuary state boils down to who has the responsibility for enforcing immigration laws,” he told CBS News in 2018. “Here’s what I believe: Congress has given federal agencies the authority to enforce immigration laws in Minnesota, and I support their doing so. Congress has not given local law enforcement that same authority. The role of law enforcement is to enforce state and local laws, not federal immigration laws, and I strongly believe that they should not do so.”
As the election approaches, Walz’s immigration policies are likely to remain a contentious issue, with Republicans framing them as a threat to public safety and fiscal responsibility, while Democrats defend them as humane and economically beneficial.
