Mayor Johnson Joins Other Mayors in Congressional Hearing on Immigration Policy in Washington
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, alongside Mayors Michelle Wu of Boston, Mike Johnston of Denver, and Eric Adams of New York, is set to appear Wednesday before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform for a critical hearing on immigration and sanctuary policies.
Targeting Sanctuary Cities
Former President Donald Trump has made clear that targeting sanctuary cities is a priority in his second term. His administration has already taken legal action against Chicago, Illinois, and New York state over their immigration policies. The goal is sweeping deportations, and local resistance stands in the way.
A Chance to Set the Record Straight
Speaking at his recent Faith in Government Tour, Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago sees his trip to Washington as an opportunity to set the record straight. “Well, first thing, look, this trip to DC is pretty straightforward for me. Congress has now passed comprehensive immigration reform since the Bears won the Super Bowl. This is about solutions, then they do their job,” Johnson said.
A Call to Action
He pointed to President Biden’s immigration reform proposal—one passed by the Senate but rejected by the House—as proof that lawmakers have the means to act but refuse to do so. “They don’t want to fix this. This is not hyperbolic. This is not conspiratorial. They do not want to fix this issue,” Johnson said.
A Lesson from History
For Johnson, history offers a lesson. He invoked James Montgomery, Chicago’s first Black Corporation Counsel, who advised Mayor Harold Washington against unchecked cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Montgomery, who also served as legal counsel for the Black Panther Party, understood the risks of allowing federal agents free rein in the city. “If we can circumvent that applying to one group, what’s to prevent them from not having that same civilized or uncivilized approach to another group?” Johnson said.
A Familiar Pattern
Johnson recalled Washington’s executive order barring city departments from inquiring about citizenship status when issuing licenses and jobs. The move sparked backlash, culminating in a federal immigration roundup of 129 taxi drivers. When it was revealed that 51 of them were U.S. citizens, the officer leading the crackdown refused to take responsibility, instead blaming Washington. “Sounds familiar,” Johnson remarked.
A Simple Message
“This is not anything new. The Republican strategy has always been to other people and then to place our communities against one another,” Johnson said.
A Call to Congress
His message to Congress is simple: if lawmakers want real solutions, they should pass legislation. “Pass a bill to create border control or judges to respond to asylum seekers. Let’s ensure that people have work authorization and a pathway to citizenship,” he said.
A Deeply Rooted Issue
With the hearing set for Wednesday, the battle over immigration reform remains a fight between federal authority and local governance—a fight that, for Johnson, has deep roots in history and civil rights.
Conclusion
The hearing on immigration and sanctuary policies will bring together mayors from across the country to address the critical issue of immigration reform. As the debate continues to simmer, it is essential to remember the lessons of the past and the impact of policy decisions on communities.
FAQs
- When is the hearing scheduled?
Answer: Wednesday - Who is participating in the hearing?
Answer: Mayors Brandon Johnson of Chicago, Michelle Wu of Boston, Mike Johnston of Denver, and Eric Adams of New York - What is the purpose of the hearing?
Answer: To address immigration and sanctuary policies - What is the goal of the mayors participating in the hearing?
Answer: To pass legislation to create border control, respond to asylum seekers, and provide a pathway to citizenship
