Mayor Brandon Johnson Defends Chicago’s Sanctuary City Status at Congressional Hearing

Preparations Underway

Mayor Brandon Johnson is in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, where he will defend Chicago’s sanctuary city status during a hearing before the House Oversight Committee focused on immigration policies.

Johnson has been in the nation’s capital for days, preparing for a congressional hearing that’s sure to be a grilling by Republicans. The hearing is set to get underway at 9 a.m. Wednesday.

Joining Forces with Fellow Mayors

Chicago’s mayor will be joined by three other sanctuary city mayors, New York City’s Eric Adams, Boston’s Michelle Wu, and Denver’s Mike Johnston.

A Flashpoint for Years

For years, Chicago’s sanctuary city status has been a major flashpoint for Republicans, who say it violates federal law and hampers the federal government’s effort to enforce immigration law.

The Welcoming City Ordinance, which establishes Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city, has been on the books in some form since Mayor Harold Washington’s tenure from 1983-87. Every mayor since has so far successfully been able to fight back against its critics.

“I’m Going to Show Up for the People of Chicago”

“I’m going to show up for the people of Chicago, as I’ve always done,” Johnson said. “I can’t say I’m looking forward to (Wednesday’s congressional hearing), but I can certainly say that when I get there, who I am is who I will remain.”

A Test of Strength

The Republican-led House Oversight Committee in the past has tripped up leaders of the country’s top educational institutions, leading to resignations. Republicans on the committee appear to be gearing up for a fight Wednesday against sanctuary city mayors.

A History of Defending the City

Since taking office, the Trump Administration has cracked down hard on illegal immigration, with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) stepping up its efforts, especially in Chicago. Trump’s Department of Justice also sued Chicago for its sanctuary city laws, saying they supersede federal law.

“I will be prepared to defend working people in this city,” Johnson said.

Seeking Advice

Johnson has reached out to former Chicago mayors Rahm Emanuel and Lori Lightfoot for advice, as well as to Congressmen Danny Davis and Jonathan Jackson and former Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

“I’ve never backed down in a fight,” Johnson said.

Conclusion

Mayor Brandon Johnson is set to defend Chicago’s sanctuary city status in a congressional hearing on Wednesday, joined by fellow mayors from New York City, Boston, and Denver. As he prepares for the hearing, Johnson remains committed to upholding the city’s status as a welcoming and inclusive city, despite criticism from Republican lawmakers.

FAQs

• What is Chicago’s sanctuary city status?

  Chicago’s sanctuary city status is a designation that establishes the city as a place where immigrants can feel safe and supported, without fear of deportation or discrimination.

• What is the Welcoming City Ordinance?

  The Welcoming City Ordinance is an ordinance that has been in place in Chicago since 1983, which establishes the city’s status as a sanctuary city.

• What is the purpose of the congressional hearing?

  The purpose of the congressional hearing is to discuss the issue of sanctuary cities and their impact on immigration policy, as well as the potential legal implications of such designations.

• What is the current administration’s stance on sanctuary cities?

  The current administration has taken a hard stance against sanctuary cities, arguing that they violate federal law and hinder the federal government’s ability to enforce immigration laws.