This invitation centers around the cities' sanctuary policies and their implications on federal immigration enforcement.
Boston's Michelle Wu, Chicago's Brandon Johnson, Denver's Mike Johnston, and New York City's Eric Adams are the mayors in question. On January 27, 2025, Comer sent them letters requesting their presence at a public hearing scheduled for February 11, 2025. In addition to the invitation to testify, the committee has asked for documents and communications related to each city's sanctuary policies, aiming to scrutinize how these local laws impact national immigration enforcement efforts.
President Donald Trump has made immigration enforcement a top priority of his administration, aiming to crack down on what he refers to as "sanctuary jurisdictions." These cities and states limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities intending to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation.
Critics, including Comer, argue that such policies "hinder the ability of federal law enforcement officers to effectuate safe arrests and remove dangerous criminals from American communities, making Americans less safe."
Local reporter William Kelly asked Mayor Johnson of Chicago on Tuesday, "Tom Homan showed up in Chicago and, within 24 hours, found a convicted sex offender who has been living in our city since 2009, flouting the sex offender registry. If he can do this, why can't you?"
Mayor Johnson: "Because that's their job. That is their job."
Kelly: "Your job is not to keep the people of Chicago safe?"
Mayor Johnson responded, saying, "The federal government has the responsibility.... It is the federal government's responsibility to do their part and uphold the law."
This congressional hearing comes at a time when President Trump has announced actions to enforce immigration laws, including the possibility of withholding federal funds from sanctuary jurisdictions.
The legal review process has already begun for some mayors, with Chicago's legal team examining the implications of the invitation, suggesting a cautious approach to what could lead to subpoenas or further legal action if the mayors do not comply.
Although the mayors have not confirmed they will be going, this move could lead to more immigration policy reform.
