Boston resists federal pressure on sanctuary policy

Wu rejects a DOJ demand to expand sanctuary policies, insisting Boston follows the law and cooperates with authorities on criminal matters.

Boston Responds Firmly to Federal Push on Immigration Policy

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu rejected a Department of Justice demand to expand the city’s cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. A letter from U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi warned that cities could face funding cuts if they limit ICE access or declare sanctuary status. Boston’s Trust Act allows police to work with federal authorities in criminal cases but bars civil immigration enforcement. Wu said the city follows local, state, and federal laws and cast the threat as an attempt to force mass deportations.

At City Hall Plaza, Wu spoke alongside supporters and local lawmakers, underscoring that Boston is not a sanctuary state and that she is seeking transparency on ICE arrests. The event, marked by mariachi music and a show of local support, drew U.S. Senator Edward Markey and a chorus of community voices. Critics, including mayoral candidate Josh Kraft, framed the letter as a partisan attack on immigrants, while Wu framed safety as a shared responsibility governed by law.

This fight exposes a larger national clash over how cities protect residents while complying with federal rules. The DOJ tactic of tying funding to immigration enforcement tests local autonomy and could force cities to weigh public safety against political pressure from Washington. For Boston, the clash also tests trust between residents and the police when policy decisions hinge on federal maneuvering.

The stakes go beyond money. Immigrant families, advocates, and local leaders are watching how courts will interpret the balance between civil protections and criminal cooperation. The outcome will shape not only budgets and campaigns but the everyday sense of safety and belonging in a city that has long prided itself on openness and inclusion.

Highlights

The sanctuary policy fight is far from over and will influence Boston’s political landscape and broader national debates.