House Democrats, Allies Stand with Sanctuary City Mayors, Demand Congress Protect Communities Amidst Federal Funding Threats

WASHINGTON – Today, Congresswoman Delia C. Ramirez (IL-03), Congressman Rob Menendez Jr. (NJ-08), and allies gathered today at a press conference in solidarity with American cities moments before the House Oversight Committee hearing on “sanctuary” policies. The press conference comes as these cities and other communities nationwide continue to face relentless attacks from the Trump administration and its Congressional allies, including threats of prosecution and federal funding cuts. 

“There is nothing illegal about protecting every resident’s constitutional right to due process, to education, and to equal treatment under the law,” said Congresswoman Ramirez. “But it is illegal for the federal government to withhold tax dollars from cities and states for schools, infrastructure, shelter and other things that we, Congress, have appropriated. Our cities will not be bullied into complying with their illegal, authoritarian, and unconstitutional agenda. I thank Mayor Johnson for representing and defending our diverse city of Chicago during what can only be called a witch hunt trial.” 

"Sanctuary cities are a critical part of our nation's fabric. While Trump and Republicans want to vilify them and the people who call them home, the truth is that they represent the values that make our nation what it is: compassion, fairness, and community; a dedication to one another and to our neighbors," said Congressman Menendez. "Sanctuary cities are focused on ensuring that everyone, regardless of immigration status, is safe. That is the future that we are building towards."

Speakers highlighted how attacks on jurisdictions with such policies not only threaten the Constitutional balance of powers and our democracy, but also the safety of communities across the country. They called on Congress to take action to protect their constituents against the Trump administration’s escalating attacks, as communities are already reeling from the impact of previous federal funding threats. Their call to action also comes as Representatives prepare to vote on H.R. 32, the Defund Our Communities Act, which would allow the Trump administration to blackmail cities and states that refuse to offer up local resources to enable their mass deportation operation. 

“While the mayors of Boston, Chicago, Denver and New York City take the stage today, our Congressmembers must not forget that they pledged to represent the people – not President Trump’s interests,” said Deirdre Schifeling, Chief Political and Advocacy Officer at the ACLU. "When our country’s mayors and governors tell us that local resources are better served addressing local problems, rather than Trump’s agenda, our leaders must listen. Robbing our communities of taxpayer funded programs does not make our communities safer, and it does not fix our immigration system.”

“I stand in the gap for the public school parents who will not go gently into that good night, while the Administration dismantles public education because a wanna-be-king and his ilk are terrified of the browning, gender expanding, and economic improvement of this country,” said Sheree, education advocate with the Alliance For Quality Educations from New York. “Education taught me to embrace my diverse experiences and to value the diverse contributions of others. Education taught me the power of opportunities and its ability to level the playing field. Education taught me the history of my city and how to appreciate and care for all New Yorkers. Education taught me the importance of diverse voices standing up and being unapologetic.” 

After the press conference, Congresswoman Ramirez released a video statement where she spoke directly about how Republicans’ lawsuits and legislation seek to defund robust, multicultural, multiracial communities because our cities, like Chicago, prove that diversity, equity, and inclusion make America great.

Live stream of the recording of Press Conference is available here.