WASHINGTON — A new congressional hearing is zeroing in on several cities with so-called “sanctuary city” policies that limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. These proceedings come amidst efforts by the Trump administration to intensify deportations across the United States.
The hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, will feature mayors Michelle Wu of Boston, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Mike Johnston of Denver, and Eric Adams of New York. The House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will host this gathering.
“Sanctuary city” refers to jurisdictions that restrict their participation with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). While the agency enforces immigration laws across the country, ICE relies heavily on local cooperation, particularly for significant deportation undertakings. They frequently request local authorities to hold individuals of interest for imminent ICE custody.
However, certain cities argue that collaborating with ICE discourages immigrant victims and witnesses of crimes from coming forward. Consequently, these cities aim to be more welcoming to immigrants, a sentiment repeatedly upheld by the courts as lawful.
The Trump administration has persistently targeted these policies, filing lawsuits against jurisdictions such as Chicago, Illinois, and New York State. These policies are perceived as substantial barriers to the administration’s aggressive deportation goals.
Examining the cities under scrutiny:
**Boston**
Boston’s Trust Act generally limits the police force’s cooperation with ICE but allows collaboration in areas like human trafficking and drug enforcement. A notable 2017 Massachusetts court ruling prevents officials from detaining individuals based solely on federal immigration requests. These detainers demand local law enforcement to either notify ICE or hold suspects temporarily to aid in deportations. The Trump administration’s assertive stance has sparked criticism from local leaders, including Wu, who defends the city’s welcoming stance on immigration.
**Chicago**
Chicago, a longstanding sanctuary city, has robust protections against federal immigration collaborations, particularly with city employees and police. Measures established in 2012 and expanded during Trump’s tenure shield city resources from aiding immigration enforcement. The city’s commitment to its “sanctuary” status remains, despite facing challenges with an influx of migrants seeking shelter. Mayor Johnson underscores the city’s welcoming ethos.
**Denver**
Immigrant arrivals in Denver have surged, creating resource strain on the city. Mayor Johnston has actively sought governmental assistance to address these pressures. The city’s perceived sanctuary status attracted national attention, leading to a widespread federal operation in February. Despite challenges, the mayor remains committed to fostering a welcoming environment, drawing a firm line only for violent offenders.
**New York**
New York City has experienced significant immigrant influxes since 2022, entailing steep costs for city services and culminating in legal action against the Trump administration over funding reimbursements. Mayor Adams maintains his support for service-inclusive policies but advocates re-evaluating some sanctuary policies to enable closer cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Adams remains open to dialogue with congressional representatives ahead of the hearing.
The conversation surrounding sanctuary cities is multifaceted, intertwining legal challenges, federal cooperation, and the broader discourse on immigration policy. As these city leaders prepare to address Congress, the implications of these policies continue to stir debate across the nation.
