Chicago mayor defends sanctuary policies at Congressional hearing
[March 06, 2025]
By Jim Talamonti | The Center Square
(The Center Square) – The mayor of Chicago testified during a
congressional hearing Wednesday that his city is safer because of its
Welcoming City ordinance.
“Any actions that amplify fears of deportations make Chicago more
dangerous. Those fears cause witnesses and victims to avoid cooperating
with police,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said.
Johnson joined mayors from Boston, Denver and New York City before the
House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Committee Chairman James Comer, R-Kentucky, said sanctuary policies risk
the safety of federal agents and the public.
“These policies only provide sanctuary for criminals,” Comer said,
adding that they also violate federal law. “If sanctuary cities were to
simply communicate and work with federal immigration authorities, then
federal agents could arrest criminal illegal aliens in a secure
environment, like a state or local jail. Instead, they have to risk
their own safety and public safety by having to go into uncertain,
dangerous circumstances just to make an arrest.”
Several lawmakers mentioned gang members and violent criminals that
local governments failed to turn over to federal officials.
Johnson said sensationalizing tragedy in the name of political
expediency is grandstanding.
“Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance and our other laws and policies do
not lead to more crime. They do not prevent cooperation with federal law
enforcement on criminal matters. We do not harbor criminals. We arrest
them,” Johnson said.
U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-South Carolina, asked Johnson if it is
acceptable for illegals who commit heinous crimes to be released into
the public instead of being deported.
“Any individual that causes harm …,” Johnson said.
“Yes or no,” Mace interrupted.
“… and breaks the law should be held accountable,” Johnson answered.
“This is why you have 6% approval rating, because you suck at answering
questions,” Mace said.
U.S. Rep. Byron Donalds, R-Florida, asked Johnson how much money Chicago
spent on illegal immigrants.
Johnson said it was 1% of the city’s budget since Texas Gov. Greg Abbott
began busing people to Chicago. When pressed for a number, Johnson
suggested he could get back to Donalds with the information.
“If you don’t have a hard number, you’re not running your city well,”
Donalds said.
Chicago’s budget rose from $16.6 billion in 2024 to $17.1 billion for
2025.
City Budget Director Annette Guzman said last year that the city spent
$1.4 million a day on new arrivals for several days in December 2023.
U.S. Rep. Michael Cloud, R-Texas, informed Johnson that Chicago also
spent $32 million in Federal Emergency Management Agency funds on
illegal aliens.
[to top of second column]
|
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson testifying in front of a U.S. House
committee - GOP Oversight | YouTube
Johnson said the city’s welcoming ordinance and the Illinois TRUST
Act restrict local law enforcement from immigration enforcement.
“We do not permit our local law enforcement from engaging in any
federal matters,” Johnson said.
Last year’s state of Illinois budget included about $970 million in
funding for non-citizen migrants, but recently released documents
indicate that the state was actually spending more. An Illinois
Auditor General report showed that taxpayer subsidies for
non-citizen health care alone totaled $1.6 billion over three years.
The report on health benefits for immigrant seniors and adults
showed overall costs from 2021 to 2023 totaled more than $897
million, or up to 286% higher than estimated.
Illinois U.S. Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Peoria, told Johnson he was
tone-deaf and oblivious for his policies as mayor. LaHood also
brought up Johnson’s 6.6% approval rating according to a recent poll
by M3 Strategies.
“The worst showing of any political figure in the country’s
history,” LaHood said. “I know you’re talking about crime is down
and things are great and the city’s flush with money. None of that
is backed up by the people in the city of Chicago.”
“I will not apologize for my investments in the people of Chicago,”
Johnson said.
Illinois U.S. Rep. Danny Davis, D-Chicago, affirmed his support for
Johnson and for city and state sanctuary policies.
“I’m proud that since the enactment of the Illinois Trust Act in
2017, the state of Illinois, Cook County and the city of Chicago
have maintained an ongoing commitment to welcoming those in need,”
Davis said.
Davis said he opposed legislation which would strip federal funding
from sanctuary cities.
Illinois U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, D-Schaumburg, used part of
his allotted time to criticize President Donald Trump.
“President Trump, if you’re watching this hearing, I respectfully
ask, when will egg costs be high enough for you to issue one
executive order on bird flu?” Krishnamoorthi said.
The Schaumburg Democrat welcomed the Chicago mayor at the beginning
of the hearing.
“I’m pleased to introduce Brandon Johnson, mayor of the greatest
city in the world, namely Chicago, a city that was built by
generations of immigrants,” Krishnamoorthi said.
Krishnamoorthi praised Johnson and said the mayor grew up in Elgin,
which is part of Krishnamoorthi’s congressional district.
Greg Bishop contributed to this story. |
