Key Takeaways:
- Four Democrat mayors from sanctuary cities referred for criminal investigation.
- Allegations of violating federal law by prioritizing illegal aliens over citizens.
- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson admits to spending millions on illegal alien assistance.
- Sanctuary city policies under fire for obstructing federal immigration laws.
Sanctuary City Mayors Face Criminal Investigation Over Illegal Alien Policies
A fiery showdown unfolded in Washington, D.C., as four Democrat mayors from sanctuary cities found themselves in the crosshairs of a federal investigation. Mayors Eric Adams (New York), Brandon Johnson (Chicago), Mike Johnston (Denver), and Michelle Wu (Boston) are now facing criminal referrals for their policies that shield illegal aliens, even those with criminal records.
The Case Against Sanctuary Cities
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, R-Fla., led the charge during a hearing before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee. She accused the mayors of violating Title 8, U.S. Code § 1324, a federal law that prohibits harboring or bringing illegal aliens into the U.S.
“These policies are a direct violation of federal law,” Luna stated. “I am referring you to the DOJ for criminal prosecution.”
The mayors’ sanctuary policies have long been controversial. Critics argue that these policies protect illegal aliens, including those with criminal records, at the expense of American citizens’ safety.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Grilled Over Funding
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faced intense scrutiny during the hearing. Rep. Scott Perry questioned him about the city’s spending on illegal alien assistance. “Who elected you? The people that came illegally, or the people that reside in Chicago?” Perry demanded.
Johnson struggled to defend the city’s allocation of $574.5 million in taxpayer funds for illegal aliens over the past four years. He claimed the spending was necessary to support “vulnerable populations.”
Meanwhile, Rep. Brandon Gill forced Johnson to admit to policies that prioritize illegal aliens over citizens. Johnson’s stuttered responses left many questioning his leadership.
New York Mayor Eric Adams Pushes Back
New York Mayor Eric Adams defended his city’s policies, stating that New York would “comply with city, state, and federal laws.” However, Adams and the other mayors were unable to explain why their policies often bypass federal immigration enforcement.
When pressed about the millions spent on illegal aliens, the mayors stumbled over the numbers. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu avoided directly answering questions about her city’s Sanctuary City policies.
Federal Crackdown on Sanctuary Cities
The Trump administration has long targeted sanctuary cities, calling their policies a threat to public safety. Attorney General Pam Bondi recently sued Chicago for obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Additionally, Bondi announced that sanctuary cities would lose access to federal funding from the DOJ.
“This is about putting American citizens first,” Bondi said in a statement.
What’s Next?
The criminal referrals mark a significant escalation in the battle over sanctuary city policies. While the mayors argue they are protecting vulnerable communities, critics say they are breaking the law.
As the investigation moves forward, one thing is clear: the debate over illegal immigration and sanctuary cities is far from over.
This heated battle between federal authorities and sanctuary cities could set a major precedent for how local governments handle illegal immigration. Stay tuned for more updates as this story unfolds.