Sanctuary City Mayors Defend Policies in Heated Congressional Hearing

House Republicans accuse mayors of obstructing immigration enforcement, while mayors argue their policies enhance public safety and trust.

The House Oversight Committee questioned the mayors of Chicago, Boston, Denver, and New York City over their sanctuary city policies during a contentious six-hour hearing.
Republican lawmakers accused the mayors of obstructing federal immigration enforcement, with some suggesting potential criminal charges or federal funding cuts as consequences.
Mayors defended their policies, asserting they cooperate with federal agents when presented with criminal warrants and citing studies linking inclusive immigration policies to lower crime rates.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted the city's spending on migrant shelters, estimated at over $638 million since 2022, while Boston Mayor Michelle Wu faced criticism for lacking financial data on immigration-related expenses.
The hearing underscored deep partisan divides over immigration, with Democrats emphasizing moral and public safety arguments and Republicans invoking federal law and former President Trump's policies.