House Republicans pressed Democrat mayors on Wednesday over their sanctuary city policies, accusing them of obstructing federal immigration enforcement and shielding illegal immigrants from deportation. The mayors of New York City, Chicago, Denver and Boston defended their policies before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, arguing that their cities are not harboring criminals but providing a safe environment for residents.

The hearing comes as President Donald Trump moves forward with his mass deportation plan, warning that cities refusing to cooperate with federal authorities could face cuts in federal funding. Attorney General Pam Bondi has already filed lawsuits against Chicago and New York, alleging that their policies hinder federal immigration enforcement efforts.

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

https://twitter.com/Bubblebathgirl/status/1897334734818304013

Rep. James Comer (R-KY), who chairs the committee, opened the hearing by saying sanctuary city policies “only create sanctuary for criminals.” He and other Republicans pointed to violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants, arguing that local governments must not interfere with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

Mayors Eric Adams of New York, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Mike Johnston of Denver and Michelle Wu of Boston pushed back, saying they are committed to public safety while ensuring immigrant communities feel comfortable reporting crimes. Johnson dismissed Republican criticisms, claiming that crime in Chicago is declining and accusing lawmakers of sensationalizing individual incidents for political gain.

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

The debate over sanctuary cities has intensified as Trump’s administration makes immigration enforcement a top priority. House Republicans are considering measures to prosecute local officials who refuse to comply with ICE detainer requests. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) said she plans to refer the mayors for a Justice Department investigation, arguing that their policies are harming American communities.