Republicans in Congress ramped up their efforts to hold Democrat mayors accountable for sanctuary city policies, pressing them in a tense hearing on Wednesday as President Donald Trump advances his crackdown on illegal immigration.
The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform questioned the mayors of New York City, Chicago, Denver and Boston, accusing them of obstructing federal enforcement and putting public safety at risk. Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) said sanctuary policies serve only to protect criminals and make it harder for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to do its job.
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
Mayors Eric Adams, Brandon Johnson, Mike Johnston and Michelle Wu defended their policies, arguing that cooperation with ICE would erode trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement. Johnson pushed back against claims that sanctuary policies fuel crime, insisting that crime rates in Chicago have declined.
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
Trump’s administration has pledged to cut federal funding to cities that refuse to cooperate with ICE. Attorney General Pam Bondi has already filed lawsuits against New York and Chicago, accusing them of interfering with federal enforcement efforts.
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
Adams, who has been more open to working with ICE, was acknowledged by some Republicans but faced backlash from his own party. Democrats questioned whether his cooperation with the Trump administration was politically motivated.
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
Several House Republicans suggested legal repercussions for mayors refusing to follow federal immigration law. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) stated she would push for the Justice Department to investigate city officials obstructing ICE operations.
