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 sa…