In a heated Congressional hearing, Rep. Clay Higgins delivered an ominous warning to the mayors of sanctuary cities: comply with federal immigration laws or potentially face jail time.
Quick Takes
- Rep. Clay Higgins warned sanctuary city mayors they could face legal accountability, including possible jail time, during a House Oversight Committee hearing
- Democratic mayors from New York, Denver, Chicago, and Boston defended their sanctuary policies as necessary for public safety
- Republicans accused the mayors of defying federal immigration laws and releasing dangerous criminals into their communities
- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced plans to send criminal referrals to the Justice Department to investigate these mayors
Republican Lawmakers Confront Sanctuary City Mayors
The House Oversight Committee witnessed tense exchanges as mayors from four major “sanctuary cities” faced stern questioning from Republican lawmakers. Democratic mayors from New York, Denver, Chicago, and Boston appeared before the committee to defend their immigration policies, which limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Rep. Clay Higgins of Louisiana delivered one of the hearing’s most pointed warnings, suggesting that mayors maintaining sanctuary policies might soon find themselves facing serious legal consequences for their stance on immigration enforcement.
The confrontation highlighted the deepening national divide over immigration policy, with Republican representatives characterizing sanctuary cities as havens for criminal activity while Democratic mayors defended their approaches as crucial for maintaining community trust. The hearing came amid growing pressure from Republican lawmakers who argue that sanctuary policies directly contradict federal immigration laws and undermine national security efforts, particularly as border crossings reached record levels during the Biden administration.
Mayors Defend Policies as Public Safety Measures
The four Democratic mayors steadfastly defended their sanctuary policies, arguing that they actually enhance public safety by encouraging undocumented immigrants to report crimes without fear of deportation. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized that maintaining trust between immigrant communities and law enforcement is essential for effective policing. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston noted that despite handling a significant influx of migrants, crime in his city actually decreased during this period, challenging Republican assertions that sanctuary policies lead to increased criminal activity.
New York Mayor Eric Adams, already facing legal troubles unrelated to immigration policy, found himself under particular scrutiny. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene questioned Adams about specific crimes allegedly committed by undocumented immigrants in his city, while Rep. Dave Min directly asked why Adams hasn’t resigned in light of his recent legal challenges. The mayors collectively argued that their policies do not shield immigrants from law enforcement but rather focus on providing necessary services while maintaining public safety.
Legal Action Threatened Against Sanctuary Policies
The hearing took a decisive turn when multiple Republican representatives suggested pursuing legal action against the mayors. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced her intention to send criminal referrals to the Justice Department to investigate the mayors for potential violations of federal law. Rep. Higgins’ warning carried particular weight, as he directly suggested that mayors willing to defend their sanctuary policies might soon “be given the opportunity” to do so from jail, implying that criminal charges could be forthcoming under a future Republican administration.
🚨BREAKING: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna drops BOMB on sanctuary city mayors announcing she will be referring them to the DOJ for prosecution:
pic.twitter.com/cy3BRC9KKy— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) March 5, 2025
The hearing underscored the fundamental tension between local control and federal authority in immigration enforcement. While sanctuary city proponents argue that local jurisdictions have the right to determine how their law enforcement resources are allocated, critics maintain that immigration enforcement is exclusively a federal responsibility that local officials cannot obstruct. With Republicans vowing accountability and Democrats defending local policies, the stage appears set for a significant legal and political showdown over sanctuary cities.
