Another Democratic leader is pushing back against President-elect Donald Trump's plans for mass deportations. Following the governors of Illinois, Arizona, and California, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has vowed that the city will refuse to cooperate with federal immigration authorities if Trump proceeds with his promise to launch the largest deportation wave in U.S. history.
In a televised interview, incoming Border Czar Tom Homan criticized Wu's stance, calling her "not very smart" and emphasizing public safety as the administration's priority. "President Trump's going to prioritize public safety threats," said Homan, framing the issue as a crackdown on criminals.
Wu defended her position, citing the 10-year-old Trust Act, which prohibits cooperation between local law enforcement, schools, and federal authorities in civil immigration matters, the CBS News reported. "This isn't about me; our public safety record speaks for itself," said Wu, distinguishing the city's approach to criminal cases involving drugs, weapons, or human trafficking.
Immigrant advocates have expressed growing concern over the potential impact of Trump's policies. Dr. Geralde Gabeau of Immigrant Family Services of Mattapan is already mobilizing resources to prepare the community. Her organization plans to distribute "Know Your Rights" pamphlets in English and Haitian Creole.
"Now we have to spend a lot of time and energy on protecting our community against what's coming their way," said Gabeau, though she admitted that many advocates are unsure of the specifics of the new administration's plans.
Homan maintained his hardline stance, saying, "Mayors' number one responsibility is to protect their communities, and that's exactly what we're going to do. So either she helps us, or she gets the hell out of the way because we're going to do it."
Wu countered that her priority is ensuring safety for all Boston residents. "Whether it's in our school system, when interacting with police, or other city departments, we do not ask about immigration status or provide that information. These spaces need to be safe for everyone," Wu said.
Advocates like Gabeau remain vigilant. She recalled past deportations during Trump's first administration and vowed to prevent similar actions from destabilizing immigrant communities. "It's anxiety, it's panic attacks all over again," said Gabeau. "But our job is to be there and ask people to remain calm."
Democratic leaders and immigration advocates are mobilizing legal strategies to counter President-elect Trump's promise to expel nearly 11 million undocumented immigrants. Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs said she is open to working with Trump's administration on border security, particularly in combating fentanyl trafficking, but she underscored her opposition to policies that could harm families, including potential mass deportations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom said that he will stay vigilant to what he considers an attack on "American values and freedoms." As a result, the Democrat announced a special session of the state legislature to "Trump-proof" California. The city of Los Angeles is one step closer to becoming a so-called "sanctuary city" after the L.A. City Council voted unanimously on the measure which had been championed by mayor Karen Bass who wrote a draft ordinance a few days back.
Another Democratic authority that raised his voice against deportations was Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who vowed to protect undocumented immigrants. "I am going to do everything that I can to protect our undocumented immigrants. They are residents of our state. And I also, obviously, need to make sure that whatever they are doing in our state, the federal government, that it is actually within federal law or state law for them to do it."
Even GOP is divided over mass deportation plans. Tony Gonzales warned that deporting millions indiscriminately would hurt the Republican Party, while Chip Roy called for a halt to legal immigration until the issue of unlawful migration is resolved.
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