Sanctuary Cities Under Fire: Mayors Defend Their Policies in Congress
Introduction: A Hearing of National Significance
This week, a high-stakes congressional hearing is set to take place, pitting Republican lawmakers against the mayors of four major U.S. cities—Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York. These cities have been branded as “sanctuary cities” due to their policies limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities, particularly Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The hearing comes amid President Donald Trump’s intensified efforts to carry out large-scale deportations, reigniting the national debate over immigration enforcement, community safety, and the rights of undocumented immigrants. Mayors Michelle Wu of Boston, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Mike Johnston of Denver, and Eric Adams of New York will testify before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, defending their cities’ policies and the principles of inclusivity and public trust they aim to uphold.
Sanctuary Cities: A Complex and Controversial Concept
The term “sanctuary city” lacks a strict legal definition, but it generally refers to jurisdictions that limit their cooperation with ICE, particularly in areas such asalerting federal agents about individuals suspected of being undocumented or holding individuals in local custody beyond their release date for federal pickup. Advocates argue that such policies foster trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, ensuring that victims of crime and witnesses feel safe coming forward regardless of their immigration status. However, critics, including the Trump administration, contend that these policies hinder immigration enforcement and public safety, enabling individuals who may pose a threat to remain in the country. While courts have largely upheld the legality of sanctuary policies, the debate remains contentious, with the administration suing cities like Chicago and New York over their immigration laws.
Boston: A City of Trust and Resistance
Boston’s approach to immigration enforcement is rooted in its Trust Act, which restricts local police cooperation with ICE, except in cases involving serious crimes like human trafficking or drug offenses. The city also adheres to a 2017 Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling that prohibits local authorities from detaining individuals solely at the request of federal immigration officials. Mayor Michelle Wu has been vocal about her commitment to making Boston a welcoming city for immigrants, calling attacks on the city’s police commissioner by Trump’s border czar, Tom Homan, “clueless” and “insulting.” Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden has also emphasized the importance of maintaining trust within immigrant communities, arguing that cooperation with ICE could undermine public safety by discouraging victims and witnesses from reporting crimes.
Chicago: A Longstanding Sanctuary and Its Challenges
Chicago has been at the forefront of sanctuary city policies for decades, with some of the strongest protections for immigrants in the country. The city prohibits cooperation between federal agents and city employees, including police, and has reinforced these protections over the years, particularly after Trump took office in 2017 and again in 2020. Illinois state law also allows undocumented immigrants to obtain driver’s licenses, further solidifying the state’s commitment to inclusivity. Mayor Brandon Johnson, who took office in 2023, has inherited a migrant crisis, with tens of thousands of asylum-seekers arriving in the city. Despite the challenges of housing and caring for these newcomers, Johnson remains steadfast in his support for Chicago’s sanctuary policies, stating, “We welcome all individuals and families who want to work, live and thrive here in our beloved city.”
Denver: A Hub for Immigrants and a Flashpoint for Controversy
Denver has become a focal point in the national immigration debate due to its growing population of immigrants and the challenges that come with it. Over the past two years, the city has seen the arrival of 43,000 immigrants, placing a strain on local resources and prompting Mayor Mike Johnston to seek federal funding for housing and support services. The city gained national attention earlier this year when a viral video of armed men in a Denver suburb led Trump to falsely claim that the city was overrun by a Venezuelan gang. Local officials swiftly debunked the claim, but the incident highlighted the heightened scrutiny Denver is under. Despite these challenges, Johnston has reiterated his commitment to making Denver a welcoming place for immigrants, while drawing a line at violent crime. The city has also taken a stand against Trump’s immigration policies, with Denver Public Schools becoming the first district to sue the administration over its policy allowing ICE agents in schools.
New York City: A Sanctuary Under Strain
New York City has borne the brunt of the migrant influx, with an estimated 231,000 immigrants arriving since 2022. The city has spent over $7 billion on shelters, food, security, and legal support for these newcomers, straining its resources and leading to a recent lawsuit against the Trump administration over $80.6 million in unreimbursed expenses for immigrant aid. Mayor Eric Adams, a Democrat, has been a vocal supporter of policies ensuring all residents have access to social services regardless of immigration status. However, Adams has also sought to roll back some sanctuary protections, advocating for the city to honor ICE detainer requests to hold individuals in jails beyond their release dates. He has invited ICE agents to operate out of Rikers Island, a decision that has drawn criticism from opponents who accuse him of trying to curry favor with the White House to avoid federal corruption charges. Adams, however, maintains that his goal is to “remove dangerous people from our streets” while still supporting the city’s immigrant communities. As the mayors prepare to testify before Congress, they will undoubtedly face tough questions about the balance between public safety, immigration enforcement, and the values of inclusivity that define their cities. The hearing promises to be a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over sanctuary policies and the future of immigration in America.
