House Republicans are urging sanctuary city mayors to testify next month regarding the impact of their policies on public safety and their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. The GOP-controlled House Committee on Oversight and Reform, led by U.S. Rep. James Comer, is launching an investigation into sanctuary cities across the United States to assess their compliance with federal immigration laws.
Comer has sent letters to the mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City, requesting documents and information related to their sanctuary policies. The mayors have been asked to testify at a public hearing scheduled for February 11.
Sanctuary cities limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, with supporters arguing that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government. However, opponents claim that sanctuary policies harbor criminals and pose risks to public safety.
While some mayors, like Eric Adams of New York City, have expressed willingness to work with federal partners to address immigration issues, others, such as Michelle Wu of Boston and Brandon Johnson of Chicago, have stood firm in their support of sanctuary policies despite criticism.
Recent federal actions under the Trump administration have targeted illegal immigrants with criminal records, leading to raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in various states. These efforts have resulted in the detention of hundreds of illegal immigrants and the initiation of deportation flights.
In response to the calls for testimony, mayors have reaffirmed their commitment to protecting residents while navigating the complex landscape of federal immigration policies. The debate over sanctuary cities continues to be a contentious issue at the intersection of federal and local law enforcement.
