Democratic mayors defending their sanctuary city policies faced intense questioning from House Republicans on Wednesday, as lawmakers scrutinized their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The hearing before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform came amid President Donald Trump’s aggressive deportation push.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defended their policies while avoiding the term “sanctuary city.” Republicans accused them of enabling criminal activity by refusing to allow local law enforcement to assist Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
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) led the charge against the mayors, arguing that their policies put Americans at risk. “We cannot let pro-criminal alien policies and obstructionist sanctuary cities continue to endanger American communities,” Comer stated.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has already taken legal action against Chicago and New York, accusing them of blocking federal immigration enforcement. Trump has signaled that his administration will cut off federal funding to sanctuary cities that do not comply with ICE.
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
Adams, the only mayor to receive some praise from Republicans, has recently shown a willingness to work with ICE, allowing agents to operate inside New York City jails. However, his cooperation has drawn sharp criticism from fellow Democrats, who accused him of prioritizing his own political survival over the interests of the city.
House Republicans have hinted at potential legal consequences for officials who obstruct federal immigration enforcement, with Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) suggesting that mayors refusing to cooperate should be investigated by the Justice Department.
