Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, along with officials from Boston, Chicago, and New York, testified before the U.S House Oversight and Government Reform Committee in Washington, D.C., regarding sanctuary city policies. The mayors faced tough questions from Republican lawmakers, who accused them of putting U.S. citizens at risk by not complying with federal immigration laws.
During the hearing, Mayor Johnston defended Denver’s policies, stating that the city cooperates with federal officials on law enforcement issues. However, Republican representatives pushed back, suggesting that sanctuary city mayors should be charged with crimes for not following federal laws.
The mayors were also questioned about the costs of dealing with illegal immigrants in their cities, with responses varying from $29 million in Boston to over $6.9 billion in New York. They were also asked about the need for immigration laws in the U.S., with most mayors agreeing that comprehensive pathways to citizenship are necessary.
The hearing highlighted the ongoing debate between federalism and local control, with Republican lawmakers suggesting that sanctuary cities were obstructing justice. Democrats, on the other hand, argued that enforcing immigration laws should not be the responsibility of local law enforcement.
The hearing showcased the deep political divide on immigration issues in the U.S. and highlighted the challenges faced by mayors in implementing policies that balance public safety and immigration concerns. Mayor Johnston faced tough questioning, but remained steadfast in defending Denver’s stance as a welcoming city for immigrants seeking asylum.
