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Sanctuary City Mayors Defend Policies in Heated Congressional Hearing

House Republicans accuse mayors of obstructing immigration enforcement, while mayors argue their policies enhance public safety and trust.

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From left, Denver Mayor Michael Johnston, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and David J. Bier, Director of Immigration Studies at the Cato Institute, are sworn in during a House Oversight and Government Reform Committee hearing on sanctuary cities' policies at the U.S. Capitol on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 in Washington, D.C. (Alex Wong/Getty Images/TNS)

Overview

  • The House Oversight Committee questioned the mayors of Chicago, Boston, Denver, and New York City over their sanctuary city policies during a contentious six-hour hearing.
  • Republican lawmakers accused the mayors of obstructing federal immigration enforcement, with some suggesting potential criminal charges or federal funding cuts as consequences.
  • Mayors defended their policies, asserting they cooperate with federal agents when presented with criminal warrants and citing studies linking inclusive immigration policies to lower crime rates.
  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the city's spending on migrant shelters, estimated at over $638 million since 2022, while Boston Mayor Michelle Wu faced criticism for lacking financial data on immigration-related expenses.
  • The hearing underscored deep partisan divides over immigration, with Democrats emphasizing moral and public safety arguments and Republicans invoking federal law and former President Trump's policies.