Congresswoman Calls for Criminal Prosecution of Sanctuary City Mayors

In a significant development on Wednesday, Republican congresswoman, Anna Paulina Luna, made a bold statement regarding the mayors of sanctuary cities who recently testified before Congress. Rep. Luna has referred these mayors to the Justice Department for potential criminal prosecution, alleging that their policies violate federal immigration laws.

Allegations Against the Sanctuary City Mayors

During a hearing held by the House Oversight Committee focusing on sanctuary cities, Rep. Luna asserted that the mayors, including Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu, are in breach of Title 8, U.S. Code § 1324. This federal statute makes it illegal to bring in and harbor unauthorized aliens, as well as prohibits the unlawful employment of such individuals.

In a post on social media platform X, Luna stated, “I just referred the sanctuary city mayors to the Department of Justice for CRIMINAL investigations based on evidence from their own comments and policies, proving that they were breaking federal law.” She further emphasized, “Open borders ideologies hurt people on both sides. If you hold federal office and are breaking the law, you’ll be criminally investigated by the DOJ.”

A Contentious Hearing

The hearing was marked by heated exchanges as the mayors defended their city’s sanctuary policies against an onslaught of criticism from Republican lawmakers. They argued that these policies foster community well-being by encouraging residents to cooperate with law enforcement without the fear of deportation or legal consequences for their undocumented neighbors.

While addressing the committee, Rep. Luna did not shy away from laying bare her concerns. “I do not think you guys are bad people, but I do think you are ideologically misled,” she remarked. She presented copies of the referrals, indicating that these would soon be submitted to Attorney General Pam Bondi for further action.

The Political Landscape and Implications

The tension surrounding immigration policies has been a longstanding facet of American political discourse, particularly in conservative circles. The mayors claimed that the Republican narrative framing their cities as overwhelmed by crime due to illegal immigration is misleading, especially in the context of declining crime rates. They insisted that creating a welcoming environment helps improve safety, as it encourages people to report crimes without the fear of retribution.

Notably, illegal immigration formed a critical aspect of former President Donald Trump’s campaign, a theme he has since revived. In a recent address to Congress, he reiterated his commitment to “complete the largest deportation operation in American history,” highlighting the ongoing national dialogue surrounding immigration enforcement and the perceived failures of local policies.

Congresswoman Luna’s Broader Agenda

Aside from her stance on immigration, Rep. Luna also leads the newly formed House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets. This initiative aims to facilitate the release of documents related to significant historical events, including the assassinations of prominent figures like President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. She is also seeking the declassification of documents connected to the high-profile case of convicted sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

Conclusion

The fallout from this hearing could set the stage for further legal and political confrontations between federal and local authorities regarding sanctuary city policies. As this story develops, it remains to be seen how the Justice Department will respond to Rep. Luna’s referral and what implications it might hold for the ongoing debate over immigration and law enforcement in America.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.