Senators Clash Over Immigration Policies at Heated DHS Hearing

Minnesota officials and federal lawmakers trade accusations over sanctuary policies and recent violence

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A Senate hearing on immigration enforcement in Minnesota turned into a heated personal confrontation as lawmakers clashed over sanctuary policies. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison and Senators Ron Johnson and Rand Paul traded accusations, with Johnson telling Ellison 'You disgust me' and Ellison responding that Johnson's statements were 'all lies.' The hearing came as Border Czar Tom Homan announced a withdrawal of federal immigration agents from Minnesota.

Why it matters

The clash highlights the ongoing partisan divide over immigration policies, with Democrats defending sanctuary policies and Republicans blaming them for recent unrest and violence. The hearing also comes at a time of heightened tensions between federal immigration authorities and state/local officials in Minnesota.

The details

During the hearing, Sen. Rand Paul said lawmakers need to determine whether recent deaths in Minneapolis resulted from 'a failure of policy coordination or leadership on one side or both sides.' Minnesota Rep. Tom Emmer blamed Democratic sanctuary policies for the unrest, while Ellison countered that federal immigration agents are responsible for the violence, stating that 'two of the three homicides committed in Minneapolis in 2026 have come at the hands of federal immigration agents.'

  • The Senate hearing took place on February 12, 2026.

The players

Ron Johnson

A U.S. Senator from Wisconsin.

Keith Ellison

The Attorney General of Minnesota.

Rand Paul

A U.S. Senator from Kentucky.

Tom Emmer

A U.S. Representative from Minnesota.

Tom Homan

The Border Czar, announcing a withdrawal of federal immigration agents from Minnesota.

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What they’re saying

“You disgust me.”

— Ron Johnson, U.S. Senator

“Are you asking me for comment, Senator? Because everything you said was untrue. It was a nice theatrical performance, but it was all lies Senator.”

— Keith Ellison, Minnesota Attorney General

What’s next

The Senate hearing is expected to continue as lawmakers further examine the issues surrounding immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies in Minnesota.

The takeaway

The heated exchange between state and federal officials highlights the deep partisan divide over immigration policies, with Democrats defending sanctuary policies and Republicans blaming them for recent violence. The hearing underscores the ongoing tensions between federal immigration authorities and state/local officials in Minnesota.