Chicago Mayor Johnson Defends $638.7 Million Migrant Spending at Capitol Hearing

During a recent House Oversight Committee hearing, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson defended the city's sanctuary policies and the expenses associated with an influx of over 50,000 migrants since 2022. Johnson highlighted that approximately 1% of the city's budget has been allocated to support undocumented residents, amounting to about $625 million over four years, despite Republican lawmakers pressing him on the financial burden this imposes on local taxpayers. He emphasized that his role as mayor is to serve all residents, asserting the city's commitment to being a welcoming place. The hearing also featured other sanctuary city mayors, with Republican representatives threatening legal repercussions for their policies. The committee's investigation was sparked by concerns regarding the impact of sanctuary laws on public safety and federal immigration enforcement. Johnson's testimony comes amid escalating political tensions surrounding immigration issues at the national level.