Republicans in Congress turned up the heat on the mayors of New York City, Chicago, Denver and Boston over their sanctuary city policies, pressing them to explain why they continue to shield illegal immigrants from federal authorities.
The House Oversight Committee’s hearing on Wednesday focused on the refusal of these cities to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Republican lawmakers accused the mayors of putting Americans in danger by allowing illegal immigrants to remain in the country despite deportation orders.
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) did not hold back, calling sanctuary city policies a “safe haven for criminals.” He and other GOP members cited multiple cases where illegal immigrants committed violent crimes after being released in sanctuary cities.
President Donald Trump has warned that federal funds will be withheld from cities that obstruct deportation efforts. Attorney General Pam Bondi has already filed lawsuits against Chicago and New York, accusing them of interfering with federal law 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
While the mayors avoided using the term “sanctuary city,” they defended their policies as necessary for public safety. Adams, who has recently worked with ICE, received some praise from Republicans, though Democrats questioned whether his cooperation with the Trump administration was tied to his own political survival.
Some Republicans have gone further, suggesting legal action against officials who refuse to cooperate with ICE. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) stated she would push for an investigation into mayors who refuse to comply with federal immigration laws.
