Originally published in The Progressive on March 25, 2025.
On March 5, the mayors of Boston, Denver, Chicago, and New York were summoned to Congress to justify their cities’ sanctuary status. The mayors’ explanations were interrupted by questions rooted in inaccurate, racist stereotypes about undocumented immigrants, but they stood their ground.
“I am here to make sure that the city of Boston is safe,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Others may want to bring hell. We are here to bring peace to cities everywhere.”
As the Trump Administration prioritizes mass deportation, it is more important than ever for our local leaders not to yield to intimidation. As part of their efforts to create thriving communities, states, cities, and towns should pass explicit sanctuary policies.