Patricia Hyde, a longtime resident of Boston, confronted Mayor Michelle Wu during an appearance on ‘America’s Newsroom’ Wednesday, criticizing the city’s stance on immigration enforcement. Hyde highlighted her personal connection to Boston, stating she grew up in the city and was therefore intimately familiar with its challenges. She pointed out that Wu’s approach to immigration policy was, in her view, compromising the city’s safety, which she argued was evident in a series of high-profile crimes involving migrant offenders. The discussion came amid intense pressure from the Department of Justice, which has been urging sanctuary cities to comply with federal immigration enforcement policies.
Wu, however, rejected the criticism, labeling the federal ultimatum a political stunt rather than a genuine effort to address community safety. During a press conference on Tuesday, she stated that Boston adheres to legal standards and that its sanctuary policies are fully lawful. She also pointed out that the Trump administration was responsible for previous enforcement actions, which she believes have created fear within local communities rather than improved security. The mayor’s response was met with support from various local leaders, who emphasized the importance of maintaining legal protections for residents.
Despite the growing tension, Hyde emphasized that ICE would continue its operations in Boston, claiming that the agency was committed to upholding its mission to protect communities. She argued that the continued presence of ICE officers in Boston was essential for maintaining public safety, which she believed was being undermined by the city’s resistance to federal enforcement. The dispute has sparked debates across the nation, particularly in cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, and New York, where similar tensions have emerged between local leaders and federal officials. Many of these cities have also received warnings from the Department of Justice, prompting a broader discussion about the role of local governments in immigration policy.