Walz Administration Criticized Over Immigrant Comparison

During a hearing on Thursday, the administration of former Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz faced sharp criticism from Republican lawmakers. They took aim at past remarks where he likened immigrants and customs enforcement agents to the “Nazi Gestapo.”

Walz, alongside fellow Democratic governors JB Pritzker of Illinois and Kathy Hochul of New York, spoke about sanctuary cities before the House Oversight Committee. Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) confronted Walz directly, referring to comments he made during a May ceremony, stating, “Donald Trump’s modern Gestapo is scooping people out on the streets.”

Emmer emphasized that such “inflamed rhetoric” puts a target on the backs of ICE agents who are, in his view, risking their lives for community safety.

By implying that federal law enforcement under President Donald Trump operates similarly to Hitler’s Nazi secret police, Walz’s words stirred controversy. Emmer pointedly remarked, “When you said the phrase ‘modern Gestapo,’ you were referring to ICE agents. You’re essentially labeling them as modern Nazis.”

Looking at the violent protests in Los Angeles over the weekend, Emmer asked Walz if he saw his rhetoric as a problem given the risks ICE agents face. He linked these protests to Waltz’s extreme language, noting that during such riots, ICE agents were attacked by protesters. This violence raised serious concerns about their safety.

Walz, visibly unsettled by Emmer’s challenge, struggled to address his previous remarks. Emmer expressed disappointment that Walz didn’t seem willing to apologize for comparing ICE to Nazis, reiterating that ICE agents are brave individuals dedicated to protecting the country.

Emmer concluded, “Inflammatory rhetoric like yours places targets on the backs of all ICE agents who risk their lives to protect our community.”