House Republicans clashed with the mayors of New York City, Chicago, Denver and Boston during a heated hearing over sanctuary city policies. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform pressed the mayors on their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement as President Donald Trump continues his push for mass deportations.
Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer (R-KY) accused sanctuary city policies of shielding criminal illegal immigrants and obstructing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). He and other Republicans pointed to crimes committed by illegal immigrants as evidence that local officials should assist in enforcing immigration laws rather than resisting them.
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
New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Denver Mayor Mike Johnston and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defended their cities, insisting their policies prioritize public safety by encouraging residents to report crimes without fear of deportation. Johnson dismissed Republican criticism, arguing that crime rates in his city have declined despite the increase in illegal immigrants.
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
Trump’s administration has vowed to withhold federal funds from cities that do not comply with ICE. Attorney General Pam Bondi has already filed lawsuits against New York and Chicago, alleging their leaders have obstructed federal enforcement efforts.
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
Adams, the only mayor who has recently shown some willingness to work with ICE, received slight praise from Republicans but drew criticism from Democrats, who accused him of prioritizing his political survival over New York’s sanctuary status.
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
The hearing ended with some Republicans floating the possibility of legal consequences for officials who refuse to comply with federal immigration enforcement. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) suggested that mayors continuing to block ICE should be investigated by the Justice Department.
