Republican Rep. Anna Paulina Luna is taking aim at Democrat mayors who refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities. The Florida Congresswoman has announced plans to send criminal referrals to the Department of Justice, potentially opening a new front in the battle over America’s immigration crisis.
At a Glance
- Rep. Anna Paulina Luna plans to send criminal referrals to DOJ against mayors of sanctuary cities
- Democratic mayors from New York, Denver, Chicago, and Boston testified before House Oversight Committee
- Republicans accused mayors of violating federal law by harboring illegal immigrants
- GOP members cited specific cases where sanctuary policies led to crimes by released illegal immigrants
- Justice Department has already sued multiple sanctuary cities and states over non-cooperation with ICE
Luna Leads Charge Against Sanctuary Policies
During a contentious six-hour hearing before the Republican-led House Oversight Committee, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna confronted mayors from several of America’s largest sanctuary cities about their refusal to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The Florida Republican didn’t mince words as she announced her intention to seek prosecution of these officials for what she views as deliberate violations of federal immigration law.
The hearing featured Democratic mayors from New York, Denver, Chicago, and Boston defending their sanctuary policies, which limit local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. These policies typically prevent local law enforcement from honoring ICE detainers or notifying federal authorities when illegal immigrants are released from custody. Republican lawmakers argued these practices endanger American citizens by allowing criminal illegal aliens to remain in communities.
GOP Points to Public Safety Concerns
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan joined the chorus of Republicans criticizing sanctuary policies, specifically targeting Denver Mayor Mike Johnston. Jordan highlighted a case where Denver allegedly released a criminal alien despite an ICE detainer, leading to further crimes. Johnston defended his city’s practices but refused to commit to changing laws that prevent cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
“You all have blood on your hands,” Rep. Nancy Mace told the mayors during the heated exchange.
Republican committee member Andy Biggs accused the mayors of violating U.S. Code 1324, which prohibits harboring illegal aliens. The accusation echoes concerns from other Republican lawmakers that sanctuary policies deliberately obstruct federal immigration enforcement efforts. Denver’s mayor has previously made statements suggesting he would use police and citizens to block ICE deportations, potentially violating additional federal statutes.
Mayors Defend Policies as Essential for Public Safety
The Democratic mayors defended their sanctuary policies as necessary for public safety, arguing that immigrant communities won’t report crimes or cooperate with police if they fear deportation. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized that their policies build community trust. Denver Mayor Johnston claimed crime decreased in his city during a significant influx of migrants in 2023.
“This is important not just for the city of New York, but for the people of the United States of America,” Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said during the hearing, defending the mayors’ positions.
Could we finally see these people going to prison for breaking federal laws for years? Let’s hope so.
