Mayor Wu calls GOP video a "mischaracterization," says Boston is safe ahead of testimony
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu is responding to a video from the GOP-controlled House Oversight Committee that will hear testimony from Wu and three other mayors of so-called sanctuary cities next week.
The committee released a video claiming the policies are only meant to protect undocumented immigrants. According to the video, Wu and the other mayors will be "held accountable," describing them as "lawless cities" in what's described as a "hype" video.
Video calls sanctuary cities "lawless"
"It's pretty dramatic," said Wu, who appeared more amused than bothered by the video. Asked whether it was an attempt to intimidate the mayors of Boston, New York, Chicago and Denver, Wu said, "We at the city level have so much to do everyday. It's amusing to see so much effort igoing into hyping up the hearing. There are important topics that we need to talk about."
As a sanctuary city, Boston limits its cooperation with federal immigration authorities except when it comes to individuals who've committed crimes. The video claims these cities are protecting undocumented immigrants while showing numerous arrests. Wu said it's a mischaracterization and that Boston is safer.
"Which is the experience of our residents on the ground living in the safest major city in the country precisely because everyone feels connected to city services and knows they can trust in their government and trust in their neighbors," said Wu.
Video threatens to cut federal funding
"Broadly speaking, it's in the worst tradition of the House of Representatives," said Boston College political science professor Marc Landy. He said it's unusual for the committee to promote a video like this ahead of the hearing and that it plays to President Donald Trump's base and beyond.
"The one pledge he must live up to because it's the promise that got him elected was to crack down on illegal immigration and he's doing it in every way he can imagine," said Landy.
The video also highlights threats to cut federal funding to sanctuary cities, but Wu said that should not be a threat from the federal government.
"The need in our community is great and city, state and federal government are supposed to work together in tandem," said Wu.
