Governor Maura Healey defended Massachusetts' immigration policies, clarifying that while there are eight sanctuary cities in the state, Massachusetts itself is not a sanctuary state.

Homan has threatened to increase federal enforcement in Boston, suggesting that local policies will not deter federal agents from acting.

In November 2024, Wu expressed her intentions to protect Boston residents from federal deportation plans, arguing that such actions threaten community safety.

This ongoing conflict reflects a broader national debate on sanctuary city policies, which has drawn scrutiny from federal lawmakers, including House Oversight Committee Chairman James Comer.

This criticism comes on the heels of the Boston City Council's recent unanimous vote on the Boston Trust Act, which reaffirms the city's sanctuary status.

Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, criticized Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox during the Conservative Political Action Conference, claiming that the city's immigration policies are 'bringing hell' to Boston.

The mayor has reiterated that Boston police will not use immigration status as a reason for arrest, emphasizing the city's commitment to assist immigrants.

Rev. Annie Gonzalez from the Boston Immigration Justice Accompaniment Network criticized Homan's comments, arguing they are designed to instill fear in immigrant communities.

The Boston Trust Act restricts local law enforcement from proactively cooperating with federal immigration authorities, limiting their involvement in civil immigration enforcement.

In response to Homan's remarks, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu defended Commissioner Cox, labeling Homan's comments as 'pretty insulting' and asserting that the city will continue to support its sanctuary policies.

Wu is scheduled to testify before a congressional oversight committee in March 2025 regarding sanctuary city policies, as tensions between local officials and federal immigration authorities escalate.

Wu highlighted the lowest reported crime levels in Boston's history and praised Cox as the best police commissioner in the country, reinforcing her support for him.