Republican Rep. James Comer called on Congress to cease all federal funding for sanctuary cities as he kicked off a heated hearing where he and party colleagues are grilling the Democratic mayors of New York, Boston, Chicago and Denver.
"Sanctuary cities make us all less safe and are a public safety nightmare. That is why I launched an investigation into sanctuary cities, and why these mayors are here today," Comer said during his opening remarks.
"We cannot let pro-criminal alien policies and obstructionist sanctuary cities continue to endanger American communities and the safety of federal immigration enforcement officers," he added.
The position was rejected by the mayors, with Chicago's Brandon Johnson saying authorities "do not harbor criminals" but "arrest them."
🚨 Chairman Comer Opens Hearing by Calling for Congress to Cease Federal Funding for Sanctuary Cities:
— Oversight Committee (@GOPoversight) March 5, 2025
“Sanctuary cities make us all less safe and are a public safety nightmare.
“That is why I launched an investigation into sanctuary cities, and why these mayors are here today.… pic.twitter.com/y1f5i6QmjP
House Republicans are accusing the mayors of thwarting President Trump's enforcement efforts and putting their residents in harm's way, while the mayors detailed how thousands of asylum seekers had arrived in their cities in recent years, desperate for food and shelter— and how the cities dealt with them. All four mayors said crime rates in their cities were dropping, in spite of the Trump administration's claims that migrants make cities unsafe.
Other passages of the hearing featured heated exchange. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu heavily criticized border czar Tom Homan, accusing him of "lying about my city." She was making reference to statements from Homan about "bringing hell" to Boston if authorities didn't fully comply with the administration's immigration crackdown. "Bring him here under oath and let's ask him some questions," Wu said.
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