Republicans in Congress are taking aim at Democrat-run sanctuary cities, accusing local officials of obstructing federal immigration enforcement and putting American citizens at risk.
At a tense House Oversight Committee hearing on Wednesday, the mayors of New York City, Chicago, Denver and Boston defended their policies as necessary for public safety. Republicans, however, argued that these policies prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from carrying out lawful deportations.
Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and other GOP lawmakers pointed to violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants, questioning why local officials would refuse to work with ICE. “Sanctuary city policies only protect criminals,” Comer said, adding that cities that refuse to comply should face consequences.
Sanctuary City Mayors have stated they were "willing to go to jail." We may give them that opportunity… pic.twitter.com/qb71hf9xTZ
— Rep. Clay Higgins (@RepClayHiggins) March 5, 2025
Trump’s administration has already taken steps to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities that fail to assist in deportation efforts. Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed lawsuits against Chicago and New York, arguing that their policies actively interfere with federal law.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson says that being a sanctuary city has made Chicago safer:
“Any actions that amplify fears of deportations make Chicago more dangerous.”
A February 22 poll said Johnson has a 6.6% approval rating. pic.twitter.com/1NCThmIfAz
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) March 5, 2025
Adams, the only mayor to show any cooperation with ICE, received some credit from Republicans, though his actions were criticized by Democrats. Some Republicans, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), suggested legal consequences for officials who refuse to cooperate with ICE, stating she would seek a Justice Department investigation into their actions.
Mayor Michelle Wu testifying before Congress on behalf of sanctuary cities tells illegals that Boston is their home in multiple languages.
Wrong.
If someone is here uninvited, they broke our laws getting in and they will be sent home. pic.twitter.com/8KJNPQFaiW
— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) March 5, 2025
The hearing highlighted the deep divide over immigration policy as Trump’s administration pushes forward with its mass deportation agenda. Whether Congress will take additional steps to force cities to comply with ICE remains to be seen.
Lauren Boebert just delivered a SLAM DUNK against the Sanctuary City Mayor of Denver, Colorado.
Boebert: "Denver passed an ordinance that ensured any city employee who spoke with federal immigration authorities would be fired… Would a city employee be fired for communicating… pic.twitter.com/KMcH6CtpDg
— George (@BehizyTweets) March 5, 2025
