Overview
- Mayors from Denver, Boston, Chicago, and New York City testified before Congress defending their cities' immigration policies and rejecting accusations of violating federal law.
- Republican lawmakers criticized the mayors for limiting cooperation with ICE, alleging these policies shield criminals and jeopardize public safety.
- Denver Mayor Mike Johnston emphasized his city's efforts to collaborate with ICE on violent criminal cases but faced scrutiny over a recent incident involving a gang member's release.
- The mayors called on Congress to implement comprehensive immigration reform, arguing that federal inaction exacerbates local challenges.
- Discussions included the financial strain of managing migrant arrivals, with Denver reporting $79 million in related expenditures since 2022.