Big city mayors defended their controversial sanctuary city policies at a contentious congressional hearing, but faced blistering criticism from Republican lawmakers who accused them of violating federal law and endangering American citizens.
Key Takeaways
- Mayors from Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York testified before the House Oversight Committee defending their sanctuary policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
- Republican lawmakers argued these policies violate the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause and “only create sanctuary for criminals.”
- New York Mayor Eric Adams claimed his city’s sanctuary status was beyond his control and criticized the Biden administration’s border policies.
- Denver Mayor Mike Johnston was questioned about a case where his city released an illegal immigrant who later assaulted ICE officers.
- The six-hour hearing highlighted deep divisions over immigration enforcement responsibilities between federal and local governments.
Mayors Take Stand Against Federal Immigration Enforcement
Four Democratic mayors faced intense questioning from the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding their cities’ policies limiting cooperation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York all defended their sanctuary jurisdictions, arguing these policies are legal and necessary for public safety despite Republican claims they violate federal law.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu directly challenged the notion that local governments must enforce federal immigration laws, stating, “The Constitution, as I understand it, doesn’t require cities or police officers or anyone to follow … federal laws in conflict with local laws or state laws.” Her interpretation drew immediate pushback from Republican committee members who cited the Constitution’s Supremacy Clause as evidence that federal law takes precedence over conflicting local ordinances.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu struck a defiant tone in her prepared remarks for a House hearing on immigration enforcement, defending the city’s approach and criticizing the Trump administration’s push to deport undocumented immigrants.
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Adams Distances Himself From New York’s Sanctuary Status
New York Mayor Eric Adams took a somewhat different approach, suggesting he inherited rather than implemented his city’s sanctuary policies. “Over the last three years, federal law did not allow me to stop buses from entering New York City. State law required me to provide all in our city with housing and meals and to educate children. City law makes it unlawful to collaborate with ICE for civil enforcement,” Adams testified.
Adams faced additional questioning about recent federal charges that were filed against him and then quickly dismissed, leading to Republican speculation about a potential “quid pro quo” arrangement with the Biden administration. The mayor firmly denied any such arrangement, stating, “There’s no deal, no quid pro quo, and I did nothing wrong.” The Justice Department had announced charges against Adams in September 2024, but federal prosecutors later asked for dismissal.
Republican Lawmakers Highlight Public Safety Concerns
Committee Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) set the tone for Republican criticism, arguing that sanctuary cities “only create sanctuary for criminals.” Throughout the hearing, Republican members highlighted specific cases where illegal immigrants had been released by sanctuary jurisdictions despite ICE detainer requests, only to later commit violent crimes against American citizens.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston faced particularly pointed questions about his city’s release of an illegal immigrant who later assaulted ICE officers. Johnston defended Denver’s overall approach while calling on Congress to take action on comprehensive immigration reform, stating, “If Denver can find a way to put aside our ideological differences long enough to manage a crisis we didn’t choose or create, it seems only fair to ask that the body that is actually charged with solving this national problem – this Congress- can finally commit to do the same.”
Fundamental Disagreement Over Local vs. Federal Responsibilities
The hearing highlighted a fundamental dispute over who bears responsibility for immigration enforcement. The mayors consistently argued that immigration law enforcement is primarily a federal responsibility and that conscripting local police into that role undermines community trust. ICE officials have previously stated that non-cooperation by cities strains their resources and potentially endangers agents who must make arrests in communities rather than in controlled jail settings.
Some Republican lawmakers suggested prosecuting sanctuary city officials under federal law, though legal experts have expressed doubt that such prosecutions would result in convictions. The mayors avoided using the term “sanctuary” throughout the hearing, instead referring to their “welcoming city” policies. Despite the contentious subject matter, Chairman Comer noted it was “the best-behaved” hearing of this Congress, which concluded after approximately six hours of testimony.
Sources:
Big City Mayors Congressional Hearing Testimony Defending Sanctuary City Policy
Republicans hammer mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver and New York over ‘sanctuary city’ policies
