BRUTAL Senate Takedown: “You Disgust Me”

Sign displaying United States Senate in a government building

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison faced a blistering confrontation from Republican senators who exposed his state’s refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, culminating in a dramatic hearing that laid bare the consequences of sanctuary policies.

Story Highlights

Sen. Bernie Moreno called Ellison a “low caliber” witness and “an insult” during heated testimony on immigration enforcement cooperation
Sen. Ron Johnson declared “You disgust me” after accusing Ellison of encouraging activism that led to tragedy during Operation Metro Surge
The confrontation centered on Minnesota’s resistance to federal immigration enforcement that resulted in thousands of arrests and fatal shootings
Democrats blocked DHS funding in a 52-47 vote following the hearing, triggering a partial government shutdown

Republican Senators Confront Minnesota’s Immigration Stance

The Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee hearing on February 12, 2026, erupted into confrontation as Republican senators grilled Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison over his state’s immigration enforcement policies. Sen. Bernie Moreno of Ohio delivered a scathing rebuke, telling Ellison “You’re a low caliber man” and “You’re an insult” during testimony about Minnesota’s cooperation with federal authorities. The hearing focused on Operation Metro Surge, a federal immigration enforcement operation in Minnesota that Republican senators argued was hindered by state-level obstruction. Ellison faced intense scrutiny for policies that Republicans characterized as undermining public safety and federal law enforcement efforts.

Operation Metro Surge Becomes Flashpoint

Operation Metro Surge, the federal immigration enforcement initiative in Minnesota, generated nationwide attention after resulting in thousands of arrests and fatal shootings involving immigration agents. The deaths of Renee Good and Alex Pretti in Minneapolis became focal points during the hearing, with Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin directly blaming Ellison for the tragedy. Johnson accused the Attorney General of encouraging activist resistance to federal enforcement, stating “A tragedy was going to happen. And you encouraged it” before concluding his remarks with “You disgust me.” Ellison defended his record, claiming Johnson’s accusations were untrue and asserting Minnesota’s support for local law enforcement. The Attorney General objected to the hearing’s scope, noting questions extended beyond immigration policy into unrelated matters.

Democrats Block Homeland Security Funding

Following the contentious hearing, Senate Democrats demonstrated their opposition to immigration enforcement by blocking Department of Homeland Security funding. The motion failed in a 52-47 vote on February 13, 2026, with all but one Senate Democrat opposing the bill. This vote triggered a partial government shutdown as lawmakers entered a preplanned week-long recess. Democrats demanded extensive reforms to ICE and CBP operations, including requirements that federal agents remain unmasked, carry proper identification, wear body cameras, and implement stricter use-of-force standards. They also sought to prohibit immigration enforcement in sensitive locations like schools and places of worship. These demands effectively held homeland security funding hostage to restrictions that would hamper enforcement capabilities.

Federal-State Tensions Expose Sanctuary Policy Failures

The hearing revealed fundamental disagreements between Republican senators who prioritize immigration enforcement and state officials who resist federal cooperation. Sen. Josh Hawley of Missouri pressed Ellison on fraud investigations in Minnesota, adding to concerns about the state’s law enforcement priorities. Republicans argued that state-level resistance to federal immigration enforcement creates dangerous situations for both law enforcement officers and communities. The confrontation underscores broader national debates about sanctuary policies and whether state and local governments should cooperate with federal immigration authorities. For Americans frustrated with weak immigration enforcement, the hearing demonstrated how state-level obstruction undermines the rule of law and public safety. The political standoff reflects the ongoing battle between those committed to border security and those who prioritize protecting illegal immigrants over American citizens.