Democratic mayors who posture as defenders of the vulnerable are finally getting called out for putting politics ahead of public safety, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s recent public sparring with federal immigration agents is a prime example. Wu publicly criticized ICE agents for wearing face coverings during operations and accused them of behaving like “secret police,” a line that lit the fuse on a national showdown. That rhetoric didn’t just make for headlines — it forced a direct response from the agency charged with enforcing our laws.
Acting ICE leadership didn’t back down. Todd Lyons, the acting ICE director, told reporters he would not apologize for his agents taking reasonable safety precautions and publicly vowed to step up operations in cities that defy federal law, making clear that the agency will perform its duty regardless of local theater. When federal enforcers push back, conservatives see the clear job of government: secure the borders and remove criminals, not stage morality plays for local office-seekers.
Put plainly, mayors who grandstand about “sanctuary” policies are playing with fire and with the lives of law enforcement. Lyons has publicly warned that inflammatory statements by city officials put agents and their families at risk and urged politicians to stop endangering federal personnel with reckless rhetoric. If mayors want to play hero to an activist base, fine — but not at the cost of the safety of officers trying to do their jobs.
This isn’t just shouting matches and cable news drama; the Justice Department has already begun pressing back against cities that refuse to cooperate with federal immigration enforcement, and ICE has signaled it will increase operations in defiant jurisdictions. Local officials who shelter criminals under the guise of compassion are creating real public-safety problems for hard-working citizens who deserve better than virtue-signaling that protects lawbreakers.
Americans are tired of leaders who choose photo ops over enforcement. We should be grateful for federal agents who risk their lives to keep our communities safe, and we should demand mayors stop undermining them for petty political gain. Leadership means protecting all residents, not pandering to the loudest activists in the room.
If voters want safer streets and accountable government, they’ll remember who stood with law and order and who sided with sanctuary excuses at election time. Enough with the woke showmanship — it’s time for mayors to stop playing politics with public safety and start doing their jobs.
