Republicans in the House Oversight Committee clashed with Democrat mayors Wednesday over sanctuary city policies, warning that cities refusing to assist federal immigration authorities could face consequences.
Mayors Eric Adams of New York, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Mike Johnston of Denver and Michelle Wu of Boston defended their policies, saying their cities remain committed to public safety while also providing protection for immigrant communities. Republicans countered that their policies hinder Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and put Americans in danger.
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) condemned sanctuary city laws, arguing that they create safe havens for criminals rather than protecting law-abiding residents. He and other Republicans pointed to violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants, urging local governments to drop policies that interfere with federal deportation efforts.
President Donald Trump has made mass deportations a top priority and vowed to cut off federal funds to cities that refuse to cooperate with ICE. Attorney General Pam Bondi has already taken legal action against Chicago and New York, alleging that their leaders are obstructing federal 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
During the hearing, Adams drew some unexpected praise from Republicans after cooperating with ICE by allowing agents access to city jails. However, Democrats on the panel criticized his actions, with Rep. Robert Garcia (D-CA) questioning whether Adams was working with Trump’s administration to avoid federal corruption charges.
With the battle over sanctuary city policies escalating, House Republicans have floated the possibility of legal consequences for local officials who obstruct federal enforcement. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) said she would refer the mayors to the Justice Department for investigation, signaling that the fight over immigration enforcement is far from over.
