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House Oversight Chairman James Comer has launched an aggressive investigation into several major U.S. cities’ sanctuary policies, challenging their resistance to federal immigration enforcement efforts.
The Kentucky Republican’s probe specifically targets the mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver, and New York City, questioning their deliberate non-cooperation with federal authorities in matters of immigration enforcement, particularly concerning individuals with criminal records.
These metropolitan areas have implemented various measures restricting their collaboration with federal agencies seeking to detain and remove undocumented immigrants from the country.
House Oversight Committee Chairman Rep. James Comer has announced an investigation into the policies of sanctuary jurisdictions and their impact on public safety and federal immigration enforcement and has called on Mayor Michelle Wu to testify at a committee hearing in February. pic.twitter.com/m6lfRN8ZsB
— Only In Boston (@OnlyInBOS) January 28, 2025
Last November, Boston’s Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu expressed her city’s stance during a WCVB interview, stating, “But what we can do is make sure that we are doing our part to protect our residents in every possible way, that we are not cooperating with those efforts that actually threaten the safety of everyone by causing widespread fear and having large-scale economic impact.”
Denver’s leadership has taken an equally defiant position, with Mayor Mike Johnston publicly declaring his readiness to face legal consequences for protecting undocumented residents from federal deportation efforts. “If I believe that our residents are having their rights violated, if I think things are happening that are illegal or immoral or un-American in our city, I would certainly protest it, and I would expect other residents would do the same,” Johnston said. When questioned about potential imprisonment, he responded firmly, “I’m not afraid of that.”
The investigation reveals that hundreds of cities and counties, including twelve states, maintain sanctuary policies limiting their cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These jurisdictions independently determine which laws they’ll enforce regarding the protection of deportable individuals.
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer announced on Monday an investigation into the policies of sanctuary cities, inviting the mayors of Boston, New York City, Chicago, and Denver all to testify on Capitol Hill. @boston25 https://t.co/Vtn2lUEz6J pic.twitter.com/oPlcqCQs35
— Ryan Breslin (@ryanjbreslin) January 28, 2025
A crucial hearing is scheduled for February 11, 2025, where the House Oversight Committee will examine these cities’ sanctuary practices in detail. Chairman Comer emphasized, “The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform is investigating sanctuary jurisdictions across the United States and their impact on public safety and the effectiveness of federal efforts to enforce the immigration laws of the United States.”
Comer strongly criticized these policies, arguing they obstruct federal law enforcement’s ability to safely apprehend and remove dangerous individuals from American communities. He highlighted President Trump’s commitment to restoring immigration law enforcement on his first day back in office, suggesting that additional legislation might be necessary to enhance border security and public safety.
The investigation requires these city leaders to submit extensive documentation of their sanctuary-related communications since January 2024, with testimony confirmations due by February 4, 2025. This comprehensive review aims to evaluate the broader implications of sanctuary policies on both national security and community safety.