Comer ask sanctuary mayors to testify before committee
House Republicans are taking a stand against sanctuary cities and their mayors, calling for them to testify next month about the impact of their policies on public safety and their refusal to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. U.S. Rep. James Comer, R-Tenn., who chairs the GOP-controlled House Committee on Oversight and Reform, has initiated an investigation into sanctuary cities across the United States to determine whether they have complied with federal immigration enforcement laws.
In a letter addressed to Michelle Wu, Brandon Johnson, Mike Johnston, and Eric Adams, the mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City respectively, Comer requested documents and information related to the sanctuary policies of each city. He also invited them to testify at a public hearing on the matter on Feb. 11. The goal of the investigation is to ensure that immigration laws are enforced nationwide, and that criminal aliens are swiftly removed from communities.
According to Comer, sanctuary policies in 12 states and hundreds of cities and counties across the country have been identified. However, he singled out Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City for their “abject failure to comply with federal law.” Sanctuary cities limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, with supporters arguing that immigration enforcement is the responsibility of the federal government. On the other hand, opponents claim that sanctuary policies harbor criminals and put both the public and illegal immigrants at risk.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams has expressed concerns about criminal illegal immigrants endangering residents and has stated his willingness to work with Trump Border Czar Tom Homan. Meanwhile, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has refused to cooperate with Trump’s mass deportation program, citing concerns about the impact on residents and the economy. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has defended the city’s sanctuary policies, directing city departments to uphold local ordinances in compliance with the Illinois Trust Act.
Denver Mayor Mike Johnston has also supported sanctuary policies despite recent arrests of members of the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua in Colorado. Federal agents arrested 50 gang members and seized drugs, weapons, and cash in a recent operation. In response to these developments, raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have been reported in various states, with hundreds of illegal immigrants detained and deportation flights initiated.
As House Republicans continue their investigation into sanctuary cities, mayors across the country are facing scrutiny for their policies. It remains to be seen how these cities will respond to the calls for testimony and whether changes will be made to comply with federal immigration enforcement laws. The issue of sanctuary cities continues to be a contentious and complex issue in the ongoing debate over immigration policy in the United States.
