Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been asked to testify before Congress on February 11 regarding the city’s status as a sanctuary city. The formal invitation, issued by the House Committee on Oversight and Reform, cites concerns over the impact of sanctuary city policies in Chicago and other cities, including New York, Boston, and Denver.
What We Know:
The committee’s letter argues that sanctuary policies fail to comply with federal law and claims, “Citizens of all four cities have suffered due to sanctuary policies.”
Chicago has been a focus of recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations under President Donald Trump. On Sunday, ICE reported targeting approximately 300 individuals in Chicago as part of a nationwide effort resulting in 956 arrests.
In response to the increased enforcement actions, Mayor Johnson has urged residents to stay informed about their rights, reiterating Chicago’s commitment to being a sanctuary city.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has also criticized the raids, stating during a CNN interview, “They’re going after people who are law-abiding. These are not people causing problems in our country, and what we need is a path to citizenship for them.”
What We Don’t Know:
It remains unclear whether Mayor Johnson will accept the committee’s invitation to testify on Capitol Hill.
Context:
Sanctuary city policies, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, have been a contentious issue under the Trump administration. Supporters argue these policies protect immigrant communities and build trust, while critics claim they undermine public safety and federal immigration law.
This hearing could provide further insight into the federal government’s ongoing debate over sanctuary cities and their impact on both citizens and immigrant populations.
