Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson found himself under intense scrutiny during a House Oversight Committee hearing, as Representative Brandon Gill (R-TX) rigorously questioned him about his sanctuary city policies. These policies have prioritized undocumented immigrants over American citizens, sparking controversy and debate. The hearing, which also featured testimony from other sanctuary city mayors such as Eric Adams of New York City, Mike Johnston of Denver, and Michelle Wu of Boston, aimed to uncover the extent of their non-cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
Representative Virginia Foxx used her time to press the mayors for financial transparency, asking them to disclose how much their cities have spent on caring for undocumented immigrants over the past four years. Although Mayor Johnson chose not to provide an exact figure, he did admit that about 1% of Chicago’s budget has been allocated toward illegal aliens during this period. Meanwhile, Johnston revealed Denver has spent $79 million over the last two years, and Adams disclosed a staggering $6.9 billion for New York City. Mayor Wu admitted she was unaware of the spending figures for Boston, stating, “we do not ask about immigration status in giving city services and providing that access.”
In a move to hold these mayors accountable, Rep. Anna Paulina Luna (FL) announced that she would refer the four mayors to the Department of Justice, accusing them of violating 8 U.S. Code § 1324 by aiding and abetting undocumented immigrants. Luna declared, “I’m going to be criminally referring you to the Department of Justice for investigation.”
Rep. Brandon Gill took a hardline approach, challenging Mayor Johnson on the various forms of government assistance provided to undocumented immigrants. At a time when many Americans face economic hardship, the support extended to those in the country illegally raises serious questions about priorities. During the hearing, Mayor Johnson faced a barrage of yes or no questions designed to reveal his stance on key issues:
**Transcript (Excerpt):**
**Gill:** Mayor Johnson, I want to start with you. One of your first actions as mayor was establishing a Deputy Mayor for immigrant, migrant, and refugee rights. I want to ask you a series of questions. If you could answer with a yes or no answer, that’d be great. First of all, do you support allowing illegal aliens to obtain driver’s licenses? Just yes or no.
**Johnson:** So the city of Chicago has been a welcoming city for over 40 years… and that’s the policy that we will hold to.
**Gill:** I’ll take that as a yes. Next question, do you support tax dollars subsidizing or paying for the health care of illegal aliens?
**Johnson:** I support investments in all residents of the people of Chicago, and that’s what I do.
**Gill:** That’s a yes as well. Do you support free or reduced college for illegal aliens?
**Johnson:** Again, I support the investments of all residents of the people of Chicago.
**Gill:** That is a yes. Next question, do you support allowing non-citizens to vote in local elections?
**Johnson:** Again, I’m not over the jurisdiction of that type of law, but again, I’m committed to investing in all residents.
**Gill:** I’ll take that as a yes. I’ve got an article from the Chicago Sun Times, and I’ll quote here briefly: “Johnson proposed, among other things, that all residents, regardless of citizenship status, be able to vote for Chicago Board of Education members.” Next question, your website states and this is your campaign website: “I will not stop fighting until abortion access is completely secure for people all over the country.” Yes or no, do you support taxpayer-funded abortions for illegal aliens?
**Johnson:** I support the reproductive rights of all people, all women.
Mayor Johnson’s struggle to provide firm answers highlights the ongoing debate about prioritizing undocumented immigrants at the expense of American citizens. The firm stance by Rep. Gill and his colleagues echoes the law-and-order values supported by President Donald Trump, who continues to advocate for putting Americans first.