House Republicans grilled the mayors of four major Democrat-led cities over their refusal to comply with federal immigration enforcement, intensifying the debate over sanctuary city policies as President Donald Trump moves forward with mass deportations.
The hearing, led by the House Oversight Committee, called on New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu to answer for policies that restrict local law enforcement from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Republicans argued these policies allow criminal aliens to evade deportation, putting American citizens at risk.
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
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
Rep. James Comer (R-KY) opened the hearing by condemning sanctuary city policies as a direct threat to public safety. He and other Republicans pointed to violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants as evidence that local governments should not be obstructing ICE operations.
President Donald Trump has warned that cities refusing to comply with federal immigration authorities will lose federal funding. Attorney General Pam Bondi has already taken legal action against Chicago and New York for allegedly interfering with federal enforcement.
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
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
Despite pushback from Republicans, the Democrat mayors defended their policies, insisting that local law enforcement should not be used to enforce federal immigration laws. Johnson dismissed concerns raised by Republicans, claiming that crime in Chicago was trending downward.
The hearing underscored the growing battle between Republican lawmakers and local Democrat officials over immigration enforcement. Some House Republicans suggested that mayors who refuse to cooperate with ICE should face legal consequences, with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) stating she plans to refer them to the Justice Department for investigation.
