Sanctuary city mayors to testify on Capitol Hill over immigration tensions

Four Democratic mayors are in Washington on Tuesday ahead of a contentious hearing before the House Oversight Committee focused on immigration policies.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Denver Mayor Mike Johnston are preparing to defend their cities’ sanctuary status, a policy that has faced increased security under the Trump administration. The hearing is set for Wednesday.

During a news conference last week, Johnson previewed his stance, emphasizing his commitment to Chicago’s values.

“We’re going to hold to our values, and whether or not we can get our message across in that particular room doesn’t mean that I’m gonna stop delivering the message of hope,” he said. “March 5 or any other day I’m gonna show up, I’m gonna show up for the people of Chicago as I’ve always done.”

The four mayors, huddling with their respective legal teams and advisers, are preparing for intense questioning, which could turn into a politically explosive spectacle.

The hearing comes as the Trump administration continues to crack down on immigration, with increased scrutiny on sanctuary city policies.

Tom Homan, President Donald Trump’s border czar, recently criticized Boston’s police commissioner for failing to turn over alleged “child rapists” and promised to bring “hell to the city.”

Wu called his comments “insulting” and reaffirmed the city would continue to welcome immigrants.

Johnston has similarly expressed opposition to the Trump administration’s efforts, suggesting he would mobilize Denver’s police force to stop mass deportations.

The Trump administration has sent a clear message: Follow the law or suffer the consequences. The administration has threatened to cut federal funding to cities shielding immigrants from deportation.

Adams could face less criticism after agreeing to cooperate with federal authorities to help apprehend immigrants with criminal records who are in the U.S. illegally. The Justice Department recently decided to drop corruption charges against him, though Adams denied any quid pro quo.

Adams stated he would be “honest and candid” in Wednesday’s hearing and said he is hoping for a “civil” discussion.

“I don’t have any false sense of belief that there’s something I would say or do that everyone is going to agree with or disagree with it. I just hope that we could have a very civil conversation around a very complex topic that many cities have inherited,” Adams said.

Adams added it was “unfair for cities to inherit national problems.”