Representative Anna Paulina Luna has officially referred four Democratic mayors to Attorney General Pam Bondi for criminal prosecution, citing violations of Title 8, U.S.C. § 1324, the federal law prohibiting the harboring and transportation of undocumented immigrants.
The mayors in question, Eric Adams of New York City, Mike Johnston of Denver, Brandon Johnson of Chicago, and Michelle Wu of Boston, have long championed sanctuary city policies. Luna argues that these policies directly violate federal immigration law, making them complicit in aiding illegal migration.
Luna made the announcement during a House Oversight Committee hearing, where she confronted the mayors over their stance. “You all speak about a broken immigration system, yet here you are aiding and abetting in that entire process,” she stated. She emphasized that her referral was not about bullying but about holding officials accountable for undermining federal law.
A criminal referral does not guarantee prosecution. It is a formal request for the Department of Justice to investigate potential violations. Bondi has previously taken legal action against sanctuary cities, including suing Chicago for obstructing federal immigration enforcement.
Sources:
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5178359-luna-criminal-referral-sanctuary-cities
https://countylocalnews.com/2025/03/05/breaking-rep-luna-calls-for-criminal-prosecution-of-4-mayors