Staff Reports
A heated debate over sanctuary cities took center stage in Congress this week. Republican lawmakers grilled Democrat witnesses on the dangers of ignoring federal immigration laws. The clash highlighted deep divisions on how to handle illegal immigration and its impact on American communities.
During a House Judiciary Committee hearing, Rep. Brad Knott (R-NC) confronted Democrat witness Neill Franklin about sanctuary policies. Franklin, a former Baltimore police officer, struggled to explain why cities should protect illegal immigrants from federal law enforcement. When asked if being in the country illegally breaks the law, Franklin dodged the question multiple times before finally admitting it violates federal statutes.
The exchange turned tense as Knott pressed Franklin on Baltimore’s approach to criminal illegal immigrants. Franklin defended the city’s policy of releasing offenders despite federal detention requests. Knott argued this practice endangers communities by letting dangerous individuals back onto the streets instead of letting ICE deport them.
Republicans highlighted shocking crime statistics to challenge the idea that sanctuary cities are safe. Rep. Brandon Gill (R-TX) revealed Baltimore’s murder rate is five times higher than the national average. He blasted Franklin for claiming the city feels safe while hundreds get killed yearly. Gill bluntly stated dead victims don’t care about “feelings” when discussing safety.
Democrat witnesses insisted sanctuary policies build trust between police and immigrant communities. They claimed cooperation with ICE makes people less likely to report crimes. Republicans countered that releasing criminal illegal aliens puts all residents at risk. They pointed to cases where violent offenders went free and committed new crimes after local authorities ignored ICE detainer requests.
The hearing exposed sharp contrasts in how each party views immigration enforcement. Democrats framed the debate around compassion and community relations. Republicans focused on lawlessness, taxpayer costs, and the need for strict border security. Multiple GOP members noted cities like Chicago spend millions housing migrants while struggling Americans face crowded schools and rising rents.
Conservative lawmakers warned that weak immigration policies empower drug cartels and human traffickers. They cited examples of Venezuelan gangs operating freely in U.S. cities due to lax enforcement. Republicans argued sanctuary cities become magnets for illegal immigration by offering free healthcare, education, and housing paid for by taxpayers.
The debate comes as President Trump pushes to deport record numbers of illegal immigrants. Republicans vowed to pass tougher laws preventing future administrations from reversing border security gains. Democrats accused them of fearmongering and scapegoating immigrants instead of fixing the system.
