Republicans Challenge Mayors Over Sanctuary City Policies, Threaten Legal Action

Republicans in Congress are taking aim at Democrat-run sanctuary cities, accusing local officials of obstructing federal immigration enforcement and putting American citizens at risk.

At a tense House Oversight Committee hearing on Wednesday, the mayors of New York City, Chicago, Denver and Boston defended their policies as necessary for public safety. Republicans, however, argued that these policies prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from carrying out lawful deportations.

Chairman James Comer (R-KY) and other GOP lawmakers pointed to violent crimes committed by illegal immigrants, questioning why local officials would refuse to work with ICE. “Sanctuary city policies only protect criminals,” Comer said, adding that cities that refuse to comply should face consequences.

Trump’s administration has already taken steps to withhold federal funding from sanctuary cities that fail to assist in deportation efforts. Attorney General Pam Bondi has filed lawsuits against Chicago and New York, arguing that their policies actively interfere with federal law.

Adams, the only mayor to show any cooperation with ICE, received some credit from Republicans, though his actions were criticized by Democrats. Some Republicans, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), suggested legal consequences for officials who refuse to cooperate with ICE, stating she would seek a Justice Department investigation into their actions.

The hearing highlighted the deep divide over immigration policy as Trump’s administration pushes forward with its mass deportation agenda. Whether Congress will take additional steps to force cities to comply with ICE remains to be seen.

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