Chicago Alderman Anthony Napolitano has sharply criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson's defense of the city's sanctuary city policies, particularly in light of the recent influx of migrants. Napolitano, speaking to Fox News Digital, characterized the mayor's upcoming congressional testimony on the issue as akin to "a lamb going to the slaughter."
Napolitano argued that the city's sanctuary status places an undue burden on taxpayers, who are effectively footing the bill for services provided to undocumented individuals. He contended that Chicago should never have adopted such policies, asserting that they punish residents financially.
Mayor Johnson, along with the mayors of New York City, Boston, and Denver, is scheduled to testify before Congress, defending their respective cities' sanctuary policies. In a recent press conference, Johnson reiterated his commitment to these policies, emphasizing his intention to uphold Chicago's values regardless of the reception his message receives.
Johnson highlighted the city's substantial foreign-born population on the city's official website, underscoring Chicago's welcoming stance towards immigrants and refugees.
Napolitano, a first-generation American himself, expressed concerns about the strain placed on Chicago's infrastructure by the arrival of tens of thousands of migrants. He argued that the city was ill-equipped to handle the demand for free housing and other resources, exacerbating existing challenges related to crime and resource allocation.
The alderman connected the influx of migrants to a rise in crime, citing instances within his own ward. He also pointed to difficulties faced by the Chicago Police Department in recruiting and retaining officers, linking this to the city's current climate.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott's Operation Lone Star, which has bussed over 100,000 migrants to sanctuary cities nationwide, including approximately 51,000 to Chicago, has further intensified the debate. This influx has led to increased financial strain on the city and fueled resident frustration, particularly regarding proposed tax hikes to address budget deficits.
Johnson's upcoming congressional testimony is anticipated to be a focal point in the ongoing political battle over sanctuary city policies, particularly given the Trump administration's efforts to withhold federal funding from such cities. Chicago currently receives around $4 billion annually in federal funds.
Rep. James Comer, chair of the House Oversight Committee, has criticized the mayors of sanctuary cities, accusing them of prioritizing undocumented individuals over American citizens.
