(LibertySociety.com) – Republican lawmakers are escalating their campaign against sanctuary city policies, proposing criminal referrals for mayors who support these measures.
At a Glance
- Democratic mayors defended sanctuary city policies before a House Oversight Committee hearing.
- Republicans argue these policies allow criminals to evade federal immigration enforcement.
- The conflict highlights a struggle between federal and local powers over immigration law.
- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna plans to refer mayors to the Justice Department for prosecution.
House Oversight Committee Hearing
During a tense House Oversight Committee hearing, Democratic mayors from New York, Denver, Chicago, and Boston defended their sanctuary city policies. These strategies limit cooperation with federal immigration agents to allow undocumented immigrants to report crimes without fear of deportation. Republican lawmakers critiqued the mayors for undermining federal immigration laws and releasing individuals deemed dangerous criminals.
The six-hour hearing featured contentious exchanges among lawmakers. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene were among those who pressed the mayors on their policies, raising concerns regarding justice and political influence. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna announced intentions to send criminal referrals against these mayors to the Justice Department for their actions supporting sanctuary policies.
Disagreement on Public Safety
The mayors argue their policies prioritize community trust and public safety. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized how these measures foster safer communities. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston recounted handling an influx of migrants and claimed that crime fell during this period. Conversely, GOP members argue these policies contravene federal laws, potentially putting American citizens in danger.
“This is important not just for the city of New York, but for the people of the United States of America.” – Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.
Controversial dialogues continued with Republican criticisms, particularly from Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, who interrogated New York City Mayor Eric Adams about crimes involving undocumented immigrants. Republican Rep. Dave Min questioned Adams’s position amid allegations tied to the Trump administration’s influence. Meanwhile, Rep. Nancy Mace made a poignant assertion, saying, “You all have blood on your hands.”
Legal Challenges and Federal Response
The House Oversight Committee’s Republicans plan to deepen their scrutiny of sanctuary policies. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna suggests prosecution for sanctuary city leaders may surface from the Justice Department’s investigations. The U.S. Attorney General has already filed lawsuits against two sanctuary cities and more legal actions may ensue, potentially impacting the broader national immigration legal landscape.
“You all have blood on your hands.” – Rep. Nancy Mace.
Federal-state relations remain contentious, with sanctuary city policies posing legal and political challenges. Denver Mayor Mike Johnston faced GOP Representative Jim Jordan’s criticism for allegedly releasing criminal aliens. This dispute may redefine interactions between local and federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement and public safety policies.
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