Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (D) firmly rejected federal directives Tuesday, asserting her city would not comply with immigration enforcement measures outlined in letters from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The correspondence warned that municipalities failing to cooperate could face lawsuits or withholding of federal funds, part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to enforce immigration law in sanctuary cities.
At a high-energy press event, Wu criticized the administration, stating, “Stop attacking our cities to hide your administration’s failures. Unlike the Trump administration, Boston follows the law… You are wrong on the law, and you are wrong on safety.”
She also labeled the administration as “a party that doesn’t follow the law” and emphasized that the federal threats were “serious and consequential” for local communities.
The press conference drew a diverse crowd including local leaders, business owners, public safety officials, LGBT activists, religious figures and labor representatives.
Wu highlighted Boston’s long history of civic leadership, referencing the city’s role in the American Revolution and its pioneering development of public schools and parks.
“This is our city. This is our country, and I’m proud to show the world what our community is made of,” she said, framing the city’s resistance as both historical and contemporary.
Other sanctuary jurisdictions have issued similar statements in recent weeks, according to Fox News.
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson (D) said the state “has no intention of changing our values in the face of threats from the Trump administration.”
Connecticut Attorney General William Tong denied the federal claims of legal violations and pledged to defend the state’s authority.
Philadelphia City Solicitor Renee Garcia said the city would review communications carefully but affirmed it remains a “welcoming city.”
These responses illustrate a broader pushback against federal enforcement efforts.
Federal enforcement measures targeting sanctuary cities have grown increasingly visible nationwide.
Los Angeles faced federal intervention following anti-ICE demonstrations, while Washington, D.C., experienced temporary federal oversight of its police department amid efforts to address crime, homelessness and illegal immigration.
The increased federal presence signals the administration’s commitment to upholding national immigration laws across municipalities.
While New York City has engaged in limited cooperation with federal authorities, most sanctuary cities continue to resist full compliance, Just the News reports.
Advocates of enforcing federal immigration law argue that consistent adherence is critical for public safety and responsible use of taxpayer funds.
Critics, however, contend that political motivations drive the federal approach, highlighting tensions between national authority and local autonomy.
The standoff between local leaders and federal officials reflects broader national debates over sanctuary policies and municipal authority.
Mayors and state attorneys general across the country continue to navigate legal and political pressures, weighing community priorities against potential federal action.
Boston’s response has become a key example in discussions about the limits of local resistance, the role of municipal decision-making and the balance between local autonomy and federal authority in matters of immigration law.
The situation is especially significant as threats to withhold federal funding raise practical stakes for city budgets and programs.
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Author: Gloriel Howard
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