Mayors Defend Sanctuary Policies Amid GOP Criticism in Congress

During a congressional hearing, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and other mayors from sanctuary cities defended their immigration policies against Republican accusations that such laws protect criminals and undermine public safety. Johnson emphasized that Chicago's Welcoming City ordinance encourages cooperation with law enforcement and does not contribute to crime, asserting that crime rates have actually declined. The hearing, led by Rep. James Comer, sought to portray sanctuary cities as havens for criminal activity, but the mayors countered that these policies foster trust within immigrant communities. New York City's Mayor Eric Adams and Boston's Mayor Michelle Wu echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the portrayal of immigrants as a threat is politically motivated and unfounded. The mayors called for comprehensive immigration reform and federal support to address the needs of their diverse populations. The debate occurs amid heightened tensions surrounding immigration policies and enforcement under the Trump administration.