Republican Congresswoman Refers Democratic Mayors to Justice Department Over Sanctuary City Policies
Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, a Republican representing Florida, has taken a significant step in the ongoing debate surrounding sanctuary cities, referring several Democratic mayors to the Department of Justice for criminal prosecution. This action stems from their testimony before the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday, where they defended their cities’ sanctuary policies. Luna alleges that the mayors’ policies violate federal law, specifically Title 8, U.S. Code § 1324, which addresses the harboring and employment of unauthorized aliens.
The heated hearing saw Denver Mayor Mike Johnston, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu staunchly defend their respective city’s approach to immigration. These mayors characterized their communities as welcoming to immigrants, emphasizing the importance of fostering an environment where all residents, regardless of immigration status, feel safe and comfortable interacting with law enforcement. They collectively urged Congress to enact comprehensive immigration reform, arguing that a federal solution is necessary to address the challenges they face at the local level.
However, Republican members of the House Oversight Committee, including Luna, took a sharply contrasting view. They accused the mayors of endangering American citizens through their sanctuary policies, arguing that these policies attract undocumented immigrants, some of whom may pose a threat to public safety. Luna specifically asserted that the mayors’ policies harm both citizens and migrants alike, stating that they create an unsustainable strain on local resources and potentially incentivize illegal immigration.
Luna announced her decision to refer the mayors to the Justice Department via a post on X (formerly Twitter), accompanied by a video. "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 wrote. She further emphasized her stance on open borders, stating, "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."
During the hearing, Luna directly addressed the mayors, stating, "I do not think you guys are bad people, but I do think you are ideologically misled. Which is why, unfortunately, based on your responses, I’m going to be criminally referring you all to the Department of Justice for investigation." She displayed copies of the referrals, indicating her intention to promptly deliver them to the Attorney General.
It is crucial to note that a congressional criminal referral does not automatically trigger a prosecution. The Department of Justice will review the referral and determine whether sufficient evidence exists to warrant a formal investigation. Furthermore, a referral from a single member of Congress carries less weight than a referral from an entire chamber.
In response to the Republican criticism, the mayors argued that their cities are not overrun by criminal immigrants, as some Republicans suggest. They pointed to data indicating that crime rates in their cities are actually falling. The mayors emphasized that a key component of their safety strategies is creating communities where residents feel safe reporting crimes and cooperating with police, regardless of their immigration status. They argue that sanctuary policies foster trust and encourage immigrants to come forward with information that can help solve crimes and prevent future incidents.
The issue of illegal immigration has been a central theme in Republican politics for many years, particularly during the presidency of Donald Trump. Trump repeatedly emphasized the need for stricter border control and increased deportations.
Luna’s action comes as she also leads the House Oversight Committee’s Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets. This task force is focused on making public previously classified documents related to significant historical events, including the assassinations of President John F. Kennedy, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., as well as other documents deemed to be in the public interest. Additionally, Luna has been actively pressing the Justice Department to release classified records related to the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
This referral marks an escalation in the political battle over sanctuary cities and immigration policy. It is likely to further polarize the debate and intensify the scrutiny faced by cities that have adopted sanctuary policies. The Department of Justice’s response to the referral will be closely watched, as it could have significant implications for the future of sanctuary city policies and the broader landscape of immigration enforcement. The case highlights the deep divisions within the United States regarding immigration and the role of local governments in addressing this complex issue. The outcome of the DOJ’s review could set a precedent for future actions against sanctuary cities and influence the ongoing debate over federal immigration reform.
