Democratic Lawmakers Rally to Shield Sanctuary Cities from ICE

Lawmakers mobilize legal and grassroots defenses to protect immigrant communities.

WASHINGTON — Democratic lawmakers from sanctuary city districts are mounting a robust defense against threats by Tom Homan, former acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, who pledged to target elected officials and constituents in sanctuary cities for “harboring immigrants.” Representing diverse urban centers with significant immigrant populations, these members of Congress are leveraging legal protections, community organizing, and bipartisan discussions to safeguard their communities from what they describe as unlawful and divisive federal actions.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington’s 7th District, which encompasses Seattle, a sanctuary city, rejected Homan’s remarks as intimidation tactics. “If they want to come after us, let them come after us,” Jayapal told Migrant Insider, emphasizing Seattle’s collaborative relationship with local law enforcement, who she said are committed to resisting federal overreach. She highlighted the effectiveness of sanctuary policies, noting, “We have some of the safest cities in the country,” referencing Boston Mayor Michelle Wu’s similar stance. Jayapal also revealed ongoing bipartisan talks in Congress, spurred by recent threats, including the Minnesota assassinations, to bolster security for federal judges and elected officials. “That’s been an ongoing conversation on both sides of the aisle,” she said, signaling a broader effort to protect public servants.

Rep. Ayanna Pressley, a Democrat representing Massachusetts’ 7th District, including Boston and surrounding sanctuary cities, outlined a coordinated strategy with local leaders like Boston Mayor Michelle Wu and Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell. “These are members of our communities, people we live, work, and worship with,” Pressley said, underscoring immigrants’ vital contributions to the economy, civic life, and cultural fabric. She accused former President Donald Trump of falsely claiming to target “the worst of the worst,” calling his immigration policies “hateful rhetoric” that harms all communities. Pressley vowed to employ a multifaceted approach—“litigation, legislation, agitation, mobilization”—and noted her visits to detention facilities to advocate for humane treatment, pledging to continue such efforts.

Rep. Robert Garcia, a Democrat from California’s 42nd District, which includes Long Beach, a sanctuary city, argued that Homan’s proposed actions violate state and federal laws. “A lot of what Tom Homan is talking about trying to do is actually illegal,” Garcia said, citing California’s strong legal framework protecting sanctuary policies. He emphasized that many of Homan’s threats are already being challenged in court, with successful precedents, and urged local and state governments to resist federal demands for private information or the cessation of social services. “The law and the courts are on their side,” Garcia asserted, pointing to California’s sanctuary state status as a bulwark against federal overreach.

Rep. Rashida Tlaib, a Democrat from Michigan’s 12th District, covering parts of Detroit, a sanctuary city, condemned Homan’s statements as a dangerous provocation. “I think he’s looking for violence,” Tlaib said, accusing the administration of weaponizing a “broken immigration system” to target political opponents. She expressed confidence in her community’s resilience, stating, “I don’t think it will go well for him in Detroit,” and suggested that attempts to arrest local leaders would backfire. Tlaib’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment among sanctuary city representatives that federal threats will galvanize local resistance.

Rep. Maxine Waters, a Democrat representing California’s 43rd District, which includes Los Angeles, a prominent sanctuary city, described the situation as a “street fight.” Waters recounted her active participation in protests across Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., including demonstrations at the Department of Education, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and near Elon Musk’s property. She criticized the deployment of National Guard and Marines to Los Angeles as unwarranted and provocative, noting that it had led to outbreaks of violence. “We’re helping people to understand what their rights are,” Waters said, emphasizing her commitment to defending immigrants’ rights against what she called unconstitutional federal actions. “The people have a right to be treated like human beings,” she added, vowing to remain in the fight.

The lawmakers’ unified stance underscores escalating tensions between sanctuary cities and federal immigration authorities. Sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation with federal immigration enforcement to protect undocumented residents, have long been a flashpoint in national debates over immigration policy. Homan’s remarks, viewed by critics as an escalation of anti-immigrant rhetoric, have prompted these representatives to double down on legal challenges and grassroots mobilization. As the threat of federal intervention looms, these Democrats are signaling their readiness to protect their constituents through every available means, from courtrooms to the streets.