Overview

• House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has launched an investigation into sanctuary city policies, focusing on Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City.
• The mayors of these cities have been invited to testify at a public hearing scheduled for February 11 and provide documents related to their sanctuary policies.
• Comer criticized sanctuary jurisdictions for allegedly obstructing federal immigration enforcement and compromising public safety by shielding undocumented immigrants, including those with criminal records.
• The mayors, including Boston's Michelle Wu and Denver's Mike Johnston, have defended their policies, emphasizing local safety and legal compliance while rejecting broader federal deportation efforts.
• Republicans argue the investigation is necessary to evaluate the need for further legislation on immigration enforcement, while Democratic leaders have dismissed the probe as politically motivated.