Sanctuary city mayors got a tough grilling in Congress this week. Republican leaders demanded answers about policies they say protect criminal immigrants over American citizens. The mayors of Chicago, Boston, Denver, and New York City refused to back down from their controversial rules that block police from working with federal immigration agents.
House Oversight Chairman James Comer slammed the cities for shielding illegal immigrants who commit violent crimes. He shared horror stories – like a 14-year-old girl raped by an illegal immigrant in Boston and a suspected gang member released in Chicago who later kidnapped and assaulted his girlfriend. These tragedies happened because local leaders wouldn’t help ICE deport dangerous criminals.
Despite the shocking examples, the mayors stood by their policies. Chicago’s mayor dodged questions about how many criminals ICE reported in his city. When pressed, he admitted he didn’t know the number. New York’s mayor hinted he might work more with federal agents but offered no real changes. Denver’s leader blamed Congress instead of taking responsibility for his city’s choices.
Republicans warned that taxpayer money shouldn’t fund cities that break federal laws. They pointed out that Chicago spent $160 million on shelters for illegal immigrants while residents suffer from rising crime and crumbling roads. Ohio Rep. Jim Jordan said sanctuary rules force ICE agents to make risky street arrests instead of safely picking up criminals from jails.
The mayors claimed their policies make cities safer by building trust with immigrants. They argued crime rates are dropping and said Republicans are just fearmongering. But they carefully avoided using the term “sanctuary cities” during their testimony. Boston’s mayor claimed ICE raids empty church pews and scare families from reporting crimes – though she offered no proof.
GOP leaders accused the mayors of openly violating federal immigration laws. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs held up a lawbook showing cities must help enforce ICE detention orders. He said releasing illegal aliens with deportation orders makes local leaders legally responsible for future crimes those immigrants commit.
The hearing revealed a stark divide. Republicans believe sanctuary policies endanger communities and help criminals. Democrats call this rhetoric anti-immigrant fear tactics. While mayors boast about lower crime, they ignore victims harmed by policies that prioritize illegal immigrants over public safety.
This showdown proves sanctuary cities care more about political correctness than protecting citizens. Until leaders put Americans first, innocent people will keep paying the price for these reckless, open-border policies. It’s time to cut federal funding to cities that harbor criminals and hold mayors accountable for the chaos they’ve created.
