Brandon Johnson, Chicago Mayor, to speak about sanctuary cities at the House Oversight Committee on March 5

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson will be heading to Washington, D.C. in early March to testify on sanctuary cities. Along with him, the mayors of Boston, Denver, and New York will also be appearing at a public hearing to discuss their cities’ sanctuary policies. This comes as the Trump Administration continues to emphasize mass deportations and stricter immigration measures.

The House Oversight Committee confirmed the participation of these four mayors in the hearing. Mayor Johnson expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the conversation on such a critical issue. He highlighted the importance of discussing sanctuary policies and will represent Chicago alongside the other mayors.

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The statement from Mayor Johnson outlined his scheduled appearance on March 5 for the hearing. He acknowledged the significance of the upcoming discussion and appreciated the chance to stand with fellow mayors in addressing the challenges posed by the current administration’s immigration agenda.

In the statement announcing the hearing, Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) said in part, “Sanctuary mayors owe the American people an explanation for city policies that jeopardize public safety and violate federal immigration law by releasing dangerous criminal illegal aliens back onto the streets.”

READ MORE: Mayor reaffirms Chicago’s welcoming city status amid ICE raids; at least 100 arrested in area

As the federal government stepped up their immigration sweeps and raids at the end of December, Mayor Johnson has reaffirmed Chicago’s welcoming city status.

“Regardless of who is in the White House, Chicago is a city that opens its arms to people from around the globe,” he said on January 28. “We will continue to protect civil and human rights, and we welcome all individuals and families who want to work, live and thrive here in our beloved city. The Welcoming City Ordinance is a law, and it is the law of the land here in Chicago. We will uphold it, along with the complementary Illinois Trust Act to ensure that our immigrant communities are safe.”