No One Calling for Mass Deportations, GOP Lawmaker Tells ‘Sanctuary’ Mayors

A Clash Over Sanctuary Cities and Immigration Policy

On Wednesday, during a tense hearing on sanctuary city policies, Republican Representative James Comer of Kentucky sparked confusion when he claimed, "I don’t think anyone is calling for mass deportations." His statement came in response to Boston’s Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu, who expressed support for immigration reform but explicitly opposed mass deportations. The exchange highlighted the deepening divide over immigration policy between Democrats and Republicans. Comer, as chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, had invited four Democratic mayors—Wu, New York City’s Eric Adams, Denver’s Mike Johnston, and Chicago’s Brandon Johnson—to discuss their cities’ sanctuary policies, which Republicans argue hinder federal immigration enforcement.

Why This Matters: The Politics of Immigration

Representative Comer’s assertion that "no one is calling for mass deportations" contradicts the rhetoric of many in his party, including former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly advocated for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. During his presidential campaign and even after his return to office, Trump floated figures as high as 11 million people who could be removed from the country. This stance has been embraced by some Republicans in Congress and GOP supporters, who have even waved signs reading "Mass Deportations Now" at party events. The issue has become a political lightning rod, with polling showing support from some Republicans and.selenium-shared-display QC….>’);

A Clash Over Sanctuary Cities and Immigration Policy

On Wednesday, during a tense hearing on sanctuary city policies, Republican Representative James Comer of Kentucky sparked confusion when he claimed, "I don’t think anyone is calling for mass deportations." His statement came in response to Boston’s Democratic Mayor Michelle Wu, who expressed support for immigration reform but explicitly opposed mass deportations. The exchange highlighted the deepening divide over immigration policy between Democrats and Republicans. Comer, as chair of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, had invited four Democratic mayors—Wu, New York City’s Eric Adams, Denver’s Mike Johnston, and Chicago’s Brandon Johnson—to discuss their cities’ sanctuary policies, which Republicans argue hinder federal immigration enforcement.

Why This Matters: The Politics of Immigration

Representative Comer’s assertion that "no one is calling for mass deportations" contradicts the rhetoric of many in his party, including former President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly advocated for the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants. During his presidential campaign and even after his return to office, Trump floated figures as high as 11 million people who could be removed from the country. This stance has been embraced by some Republicans in Congress and GOP supporters, who have even waved signs reading "Mass Deportations Now" at party events. The issue has become a political lightning rod, with polling showing support from some Republicans and Democrats alike, though it has also sparked widespread fear among immigrant communities.

Key Moments from the Hearing

During the hearing, Republicans on the committee pressed the mayors on how their sanctuary policies impacted the work of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Wisconsin Representative Glenn Grothman asked each mayor whether they believed the U.S. should enforce its immigration laws and deport those who break them. Chicago’s Brandon Johnson acknowledged that the immigration system is "broken" and hasn’t seen comprehensive reform since 1986, but he emphasized the need for a system that includes "secure borders" and "compassionate pathways to residency and citizenship." Mayor Wu echoed similar sentiments, calling for an immigration law that balances security with fairness, but she was cut off by Grothman before she could fully elaborate. It was during this exchange that Comer interjected, claiming that no one was advocating for mass deportations—a statement met with skepticism, as evidenced by an audible "Wait, what?" from another participant.

Comer’s claim was particularly jarring given the broader political context. Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Protecting The American People Against Invasion," which directed the Secretary of Homeland Security to "promptly take appropriate action" to remove undocumented immigrants from the U.S. This policy, combined with ramped-up ICE enforcement actions, has left immigrant communities on edge. Many of those at risk of deportation, as Denver’s Mike Johnston pointed out during the hearing, are asylum seekers stuck in a system with a seven-year backlog.

What People Are Saying

The hearing has sparked intense reactions from both sides of the aisle. Democrats on the Oversight Committee took to social media to accuse Comer of dishonesty, tweeting, "Chairman Comer just claimed that no one is calling for mass deportations. That’s a lie." They pointed to statements from Trump administration officials, such as White House spokesperson Kush Desai, who told Politico earlier this year that the administration is using "every lever of executive power" to enforce immigration laws, including the mass deportation of undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records.

Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has also called on Congress to approve funding for mass deportations of "criminal illegal aliens" and to complete the construction of a border wall. These statements underscore the stark contrast between the Republican leadership’s rhetoric and Comer’s claim that mass deportations are not on the table. For immigrant advocates, the messaging from the White House and Capitol Hill has been clear—and terrifying.

The Human Impact of Mass Deportation Threats

The threat of mass deportations has created a climate of fear among immigrant communities, particularly for the millions of undocumented individuals who have built lives in the U.S. without legal status. Many of these individuals are not criminals; they include small business owners, parents of U.S.-born children, and people awaiting visa approvals or asylum decisions. Mayors like Wu and Johnson emphasized the devastating economic and social consequences of mass deportations, arguing that such a policy would harm communities and disrupt local economies.

Despite these concerns, the Trump administration has signaled its intent to prioritize deportation efforts. Since January 20, ICE has increased its enforcement actions, with additional federal agents deployed to assist in arresting undocumented immigrants—primarily those suspected of crimes. While deportation numbers have not yet been widely publicized, the administration is expected to continue pursuing its goals, potentially leading to a new wave of raids and removals.

What Happens Next?

The hearing on sanctuary cities marked another chapter in the ongoing debate over immigration reform. While Democrats and some Republican lawmakers have called for a more balanced approach—one that combines border security with pathways to citizenship for undocumented immigrants—the Trump administration and its allies remain committed to a hardline stance. As the threat of mass deportations looms, immigrant communities and their allies are bracing for impact, while advocacy groups and lawmakers continue to push for a more humane and equitable immigration system.

The coming months will likely see increased tension over this issue, with the potential for further polarizing rhetoric and policy decisions. For now, the clash over sanctuary cities and mass deportations serves as a stark reminder of how deeply divided the nation remains on one of its most pressing challenges.