The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee’s hearing this morning on sanctuary cities is nothing more than an attempt to vilify immigrants and further a political agenda of fear and division.
Chairman James Comer’s inflammatory rhetoric — calling mayors from Boston, Chicago, Denver and New York “pro-illegal alien” and parroting the tired, false narrative that immigrants are criminals — makes it clear that this is not about facts or public safety. It’s about demonizing the people who make our cities vibrant, safe and strong.
House Republicans are recycling the same playbook we saw during the first Trump administration. The timing of this hearing, as everyday constituents show up to town halls to criticize the GOP’s reckless approach to governance, signals a renewed effort to scapegoat immigrant communities across the country.
Disappointingly, while the House Republicans wage their predictable war on immigrant communities, Mayor Adams is failing the very people he was elected to represent. The Adams administration seems to have prioritized political survival over principle. The mayor happily marches in parades and gives speeches at flag raisings. When it comes to defending the policies that protect immigrant New Yorkers, however, he has focused on antagonizing his own constituents.
Rather than stand against attacks on sanctuary policies, Adams has repeatedly promoted anti-immigrant rhetoric, feeding into the fear mongering that criminalizes immigrants simply for existing in our city.
When Adams went on a media tour with Trump border czar Tom Homan last month, he did more than just engage in political theater — it was an abdication of authority and responsibility. Instead of pushing back against the Trump administration’s expectations, he unleashed his ire on New Yorkers who dare to question his commitment to the city he is meant to defend.
New York has a proud legacy as a sanctuary for immigrants — a status that affirms our commitment to protecting New Yorkers from federal overreach and ensures everyone can live safely. That is not just a policy choice; it is a moral imperative. It is a recognition that immigrant New Yorkers are essential to the fabric of vibrant cities. In 2023 alone, immigrant households in New York earned $235.3 billion, paid $74.8 billion in taxes, and contributed $160.5 billion in spending power.
Despite what Adams would have us believe, sanctuary policies do not increase crime — rather, they make cities safer by fostering trust between immigrants and law enforcement. Jurisdictions with sanctuary policies experience 35.5 fewer crimes per 10,000 people compared to those without such policies.
In earlier years, law enforcement leaders across the country have affirmed that when immigrant communities fear deportation for contacting police, crimes go unreported and public safety suffers. This isn’t a partisan position — it’s a practical reality recognized by authorities nationwide.
Sanctuary policies ensure that immigrants — regardless of status — can report crimes, seek medical care and send their children to school without fear. They prevent local resources from being diverted into federal immigration enforcement, which has historically led to racial profiling and civil rights abuses.
Just last month, ICE detained a U.S. military veteran, presumably because of his complexion. Most importantly, sanctuary policies uphold the values that have always made this country a beacon for those seeking a better life.
As we have built New York’s legacy as a sanctuary, we have collectively reaped the benefits. Our neighbors feel more comfortable calling 911 and interacting with law enforcement. Immigrants feel more comfortable participating in community life, making our neighborhoods vibrant and diverse.
Our cities deserve leadership that fights for them in the face of anti-American policies, not one who cowers in the face of right-wing pressure. Americans deserve leaders who understand that immigrants are the lifeblood of our country — not a political scapegoat.
The House hearing is nothing but a political stunt, a manufactured crisis designed to justify draconian policies and punish cities that refuse to become extensions of unprincipled, xenophobic policies. But the real crisis is unfolding right here in our cities when leaders who claim to support immigrants refuse to take a stand when it counts.
Our elected officials face a clear moral choice: stand with the vulnerable communities that make our city strong or capitulate to cynical political attacks. For those of us who believe in an inclusive, compassionate America, the answer is simple: Our sanctuary status is non-negotiable.
Awawdeh is president and CEO of the New York Immigration Coalition. Adams is speaker of the City Council. Quinn, president and CEO of Win, is a former Council. Mark-Viverito is also a former Council speaker.