Republican Congresswoman Refers Sanctuary City Mayors for Criminal Investigation

Republican Congresswoman Refers Sanctuary City Mayors for Criminal Investigation

A Republican congresswoman has announced her decision to refer mayors of Democratic sanctuary cities to the Justice Department for potential criminal prosecution. This move follows their testimony before Congress during a recent Oversight Committee hearing focused on sanctuary city policies.

Representative Anna Paulina Luna from Florida stated that the mayors present at the hearing are violating Title 8 of the U.S. Code, specifically § 1324. This federal law prohibits the harboring and employment of unauthorized migrants.

In a post on X, formerly Twitter, Luna declared, “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 also included a video with her announcement.

Moreover, she emphasized the harmful impact of open borders ideologies, noting that they endanger both American citizens and migrants. Luna remarked, “If you hold federal office and are breaking the law, you’ll be criminally investigated by the DOJ.”

Mayors Defend Sanctuary Policies

Among those implicated are Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. Each mayor defended their city’s sanctuary policies during the intense congressional hearing, arguing that their communities are welcoming. They called upon Congress to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

In response, Republican congresspeople criticized the mayors for their sanctuary policies, accusing them of placing American lives at risk and suggesting potential legal repercussions for local officials.

Luna conveyed to the mayors that their policies negatively impact both citizens and migrants. She stated, “I do not think you guys are bad people, but I do think you are ideologically misled.” She then proceeded to hold up official documents as she spoke.

Potential Legal Consequences

At one point, Luna stated, “Based on your responses, I’m going to be criminally referring you all to the Department of Justice for investigation,” while brandishing copies of the referral letters. She indicated that these documents would be forwarded to Attorney General Pam Bondi following the hearing.

It is important to note that a congressional criminal referral does not guarantee that the DOJ will act on the case. Such a referral lacks the clout of one made by an entire congressional chamber.

The Narrative Surrounding Crime Rates

In their defense, the mayors contended that Republican lawmakers are attempting to frame their cities as being overrun with criminal immigrants, despite statistical evidence indicating a decrease in crime rates. They argued that fostering an atmosphere of trust is vital for encouraging residents to report crimes and engage with law enforcement.

The contentious issue of illegal immigration has been central to many Republican agendas, particularly those aligned with former President Donald Trump. He has consistently focused on this issue, including in a recent speech before Congress where he committed to executing the largest deportation operation in U.S. history.

Luna’s Broader Legislative Efforts

Representative Luna, a member of the House Freedom Caucus, is also leading a task force dedicated to the declassification of federal secrets. This initiative aims to unveil documents concerning various sensitive topics, including the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Senator Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Additionally, Luna is advocating for the release of classified records held by the Justice Department that pertain to known sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein.

A Complex Debate

This incident highlights the escalating tensions between federal authorities and sanctuary cities across the United States. As local officials push for policies that prioritize community welfare, they face increasing scrutiny and opposition from federal lawmakers who view their actions as disregarding federal immigration laws.

As this debate unfolds, it will be pivotal to observe how the Justice Department responds to Luna’s referrals and the implications such actions might have on the broader immigration discussion. Stakeholders on both sides will continue to advocate passionately for their positions, making this a crucial moment in U.S. immigration policy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.