Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, says he's "bringing hell" to sanctuary city Boston
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference outside Washington, D.C. on Saturday, Homan issued a warning specifically to Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox.
"The police commissioner of Boston, you said you'd double down on not helping the law enforcement offices of ICE. I'm coming to Boston, I'm bringing hell with me," Homan said, prompting applause from the crowd. "You're not a police commissioner. Take that badge off your chest, put it in your desk drawer. Because you became a politician. You forgot what it's like to be a cop."
Tom Homan targets Boston and Massachusetts
Homan accused the state's police forces of neglecting their duty in targeting criminals who are in the country illegally. He said, without citing specifics, that he found multiple cases where criminals who he alleges were in the country illegally were in jail, but subsequently released.
"And guess what. The men and women of Immigrations and Custom Enforcement found those predators and they're locked back up. And we're going to deport them from the United States," Homan said.
Boston is a sanctuary city. Mayor Michelle Wu will join the mayors of New York, Chicago and Denver to testify before a congressional oversight committee hearing investigating sanctuary city policies early next month.
Following Homan's remarks, WBZ-TV reached out to the offices of the Boston Police Department, Mayor Wu and Gov. Maura Healey, but have not heard back as of Sunday morning.
Boston Mayor Michelle Wu on sanctuary city status
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman James Comer, a Republican from Kentucky, launched the probe in January.
"Boston is a sanctuary jurisdiction under the Boston Trust Act, which the Boston City Council recently voted unanimously to reaffirm. Further, Boston is also subject to Massachusetts's judicial precedent finding ICE detainers an unlawful exercise of state power. Mayor Michelle Wu 'reiterated Boston's status as a sanctuary city' shortly after the 2024 presidential election," Comer wrote in the letter to Wu at the time.
Initially, the mayors were asked to testify on February 11. Wu said earlier this month she would respond to the letter, but told reporters she preferred it to be at a later date after recently giving birth to her third child.
"I want to be accommodating and participate however best represents the city," Wu said. "We're very proud that Boston is the safest major city in the country. We have a lot to share about what has been working here, and we look forward to being able to get into the details of that."
Gov. Maura Healey on immigration
Massachusetts has eight sanctuary cities - Amherst, Boston, Cambridge, Chelsea, Concord, Newton, Northampton, and Somerville.
In a December interview with WBZ-TV political analyst Jon Keller, Healey defended the state's immigration policies.
"We are not a sanctuary state. If you come here, there is not housing here, and I think that's been effective in changing the trajectory of [migration to Massachusetts]," Healey said.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New York Times
13 minutes ago
- New York Times
Republicans Unveil Aviation Safety Bill Before D.C. Crash Hearings
Senator Ted Cruz, Republican of Texas and chairman of a panel that oversees aviation safety, has crafted new legislation intended to prevent accidents like the midair collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport in January that killed 67 people, just as a series of hearings into the cause of the crash is about to begin. The bill has already racked up some high-profile endorsements, including from the leaders of the Transportation Department and the Federal Aviation Administration. It also has the support of Jennifer Homendy, the chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, which plans to hold three days of hearings this week to examine the factors that led to the deadly collision of an American Airlines airplane and an Army Blackhawk helicopter over the Potomac River. Mr. Cruz's legislation, according to a copy obtained by The New York Times, would order the F.A.A. to require that nearly all government aircraft engaged in safety evaluation flights or training missions in congested airspace turn on technology that allows air traffic controllers to track them in real time. The provision would narrow an existing exemption that allows aircraft engaged in 'sensitive government missions' to turn off the technology. The military helicopter involved in the Jan. 29 crash was being flown that night as part of an annual pilot evaluation, and had that technology, known as ADS-B Out, turned off. The legislation also directs the F.A.A. to require that all new aircraft be equipped with another system, known as ADS-B In, which gives pilots information from other aircraft, as well as ground traffic and weather information in real time. The N.T.S.B. has recommended for more than two decades that ADS-B In be required in aircraft. Ms. Homendy told reporters on Capitol Hill on Tuesday that the legislation 'will save lives,' while Mr. Cruz told reporters that the changes were aimed at eradicating what he called a 'double standard in aviation safety.' 'We should not tolerate special exceptions for military training flights operating in congested airspace. No matter the circumstances, any aircraft operating near commercial traffic must fully adhere to safety standards,' he said. He added, 'We cannot have commercial airplanes and helicopters on a collision course ever again.' But Mr. Cruz's legislation has yet to receive the backing of any Democrats, some of whom are concerned that the bill stops short of imposing safety requirements stringent enough to fully address the problems it purports to bill is not the first introduced that attempts to mandate that more aircraft use real-time tracking technology around busy airports. In May, Senator Jerry Moran, Republican of Kansas and the chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation's aviation subcommittee, filed legislation requiring the use of real-time tracking technology for all aircraft operating around the nation's busiest airports. (Mr. Moran has endorsed Mr. Cruz's bill.) Last month, a group of Senate Democrats, led by Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington, the top Democrat on the Commerce, Science and Transportation panel, introduced legislation that would require comprehensive use of the same tracking technology. Those provisions were part of a broader bill that also sought to accelerate air traffic controller training, freeze F.A.A. staff cuts, and order the F.A.A. and Army to complete a memorandum of understanding to avoid future accidents. Ms. Cantwell said on Tuesday she was 'committed to working with Chairman Cruz to ensure we get this right and honor the memory of those we lost.' But according to two people familiar with deliberations, she and other Democrats have privately expressed reservations about the way Mr. Cruz's bill lays out new safety requirements — and the length of time it gives the F.A.A. to implement the proposed changes. Under Mr. Cruz's bill, the head of the F.A.A. — a position newly occupied by Bryan Bedford, a longtime airline executive — has two years to issue regulations that would require airlines to install the real-time tracking technology on all new manned aircraft within the following three years, with the right to issue certain two-year extensions. Ms. Cantwell's bill demands a tighter timeline: installation on new aircraft within four years, regardless of whether the F.A.A. has issued new rules, and retrofitting of existing aircraft within the same period. In addition to the technology mandates, Mr. Cruz's legislation would require the Army's inspector general to begin an audit of its pilot training and qualification standards, and regulations governing the use of the technology that allows air traffic controllers to track aircraft in real time. It would also instruct the F.A.A. to study whether more of the airspace around Reagan National ought to be permanently closed to helicopter traffic, and scrutinize whether current flight routes around commercial airports guarantee enough separation between fixed-wing aircraft and those with rotors. Sean Duffy, the transportation secretary, called the bill 'the right approach,' though he allowed that his department might want to see 'a few tweaks' to the details. He signaled to lawmakers that they should not balk at the potential cost of implementing the new requirements. 'I don't think we should be concerned about cost when it comes to safety,' he said.
Associated Press
13 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Some North Carolina Democratic lawmakers break from party to pass Republican priorities
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina Republican lawmakers on Tuesday overrode several vetoes by Democratic Gov. Josh Stein, getting just enough votes from Stein's own party to enact some laws while falling short on others. The votes were key tests for Republican General Assembly leaders since they narrowly lost their veto-proof majority following last fall's elections. Both chambers enacted eight of 14 vetoed measures to further their conservative agenda, including laws that target transgender rights, allow firearms on private school property and eliminate an interim greenhouse gas reduction mandate. The GOP is one seat shy in the House of overcoming vetoes at will. Lawmakers were able to convince anywhere from one to three House Democrats to override on some measures. 'It depends on what the issue is, but on most issues, we're going to have a working supermajority,' House Speaker Destin Hall told reporters after session. Democratic leaders managed to keep intact other vetoes issued by Stein, meaning GOP goals to let adults carry concealed handguns without a permit and eliminate DEI initiatives are derailed for now. Republicans 'didn't override them all. I mean, we might come back and override them if they have the numbers,' Democratic Rep. Pricey Harrison said after Tuesday's session. 'It's a heck of a way to do policy.' Possible Democratic victory on transgender bill ends in defeat House Democrats weren't able to uphold the governor's veto on a bill targeting transgender people when one of their party members broke ranks. The legislation initially ran as a bipartisan measure curbing sexual exploitation of women and minors on pornography websites. But several contentious provisions were tacked on later, such as recognizing only two sexes and preventing state-funded gender transition procedures for prisoners. Freshman Democratic Rep. Dante Pittman voted for the measure in June but on Tuesday sided with Stein's veto instead. Another Democrat, Rep. Nasif Majeed, sided with Republicans to override Stein's veto. 'I had some moral issues about that and I had to lean on my values,' Majeed told reporters of the bill after the vote. DEI bills blocked for now In one of their biggest victories, Democrats blocked three bills that would have restricted diversity, equity and inclusion programs across the state by staying unified in their opposition. Two of the bills would bar certain 'divisive concepts' and 'discriminatory practices' related to race and identity in K-12 schools, public universities and community colleges. The third bill would ban state agencies from implementing diversity, equity and inclusion programs or utilizing DEI in hiring practices. Hall told reporters he expects the chamber will overcome the remaining vetoes, such as the DEI bills, at some point. 'If people are out and the numbers are there, we're going to vote to override,' Hall said. Mixed results on guns and immigration Republican lawmakers fervently prioritized legislation on guns and immigration this session, but in some cases, they couldn't complete that agenda Tuesday. A vetoed bill allowing permitless concealed carry for eligible people over the age of 18 wasn't heard in the House. That bill already faced an uphill battle after two Republicans voted against it with Democrats last month. House Republicans also failed to call a vote on vetoed legislation that would require several state law enforcement agencies to engage in the Trump administration's immigration crackdown by formally cooperating with federal agents. Other legislation on guns and immigration followed the pathway to becoming law. A bill that allows certain people to carry firearms onto private school property with administrative permission passed with support of a Democrat. Another Democrat's support also pushed through a separate immigration measure expanding the offenses that would require a local sheriff to check a detained person's legal status in the country. Interim greenhouse gas mandate gets repealed Enough Democrats joined Republicans in overriding Stein's veto of legislation that largely addressed activities of Duke Energy, the state's dominant electric utility. The new law in part repeals a portion of a bipartisan 2021 law that told electric regulators to work toward reducing carbon dioxide output 70% from 2005 levels by 2030. A directive in the 2021 law to meet a carbon neutrality standard by 2050 is still in place. Republicans said the 70% reduction mandate was unnecessary and if eliminated would moderate electricity rate increases required to meet the 2050 standard by allowing use of less expensive power sources. Stein and environmental groups opposed the measure, saying that eliminating the 2030 standard and other provisions will result in higher consumer rates by having utilities rely more more on natural gas to generate electricity.
Newsweek
13 minutes ago
- Newsweek
Zohran Mamdani Beats Out All NYC Mayoral Candidates Combined—New Poll
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The 33-year-old self-described democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani leads a five-candidate New York City mayoral race by double digits and amasses more than 50 percent of the vote regardless of his opponent, according to a new poll. Why It Matters The New York state assemblyman sent political shock waves across New York City when he defeated political stalwart and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in the Democratic primary, further advancing a contentious election cycle that has Cuomo and Mayor Eric Adams vying for the mayoral seat as independent candidates, alongside former federal prosecutor Jim Walden. On the Republican side of the race, 71-year-old conservative activist and talk show host Curtis Sliwa is aiming for a major upset. What To Know A new poll of 1,453 New York City residents conducted by Zenith Research and Public Progress Solutions from July 16 to July 24 found Mamdani with a commanding lead in the current field of five, attaining 50 percent of support while the combined level of support for the four others and undecided likely voters totaled 49 percent. Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who won the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, speaks during an endorsement event at union DC 37 headquarters on July 15 in New York. Democratic socialist candidate Zohran Mamdani, who won the New York City Democratic mayoral primary, speaks during an endorsement event at union DC 37 headquarters on July 15 in New placed in second, receiving 22 percent, while Sliwa garnered 13 percent. Adams received 7 percent of support, Walden collected 1 percent and "others/I don't know" totaled 6 percent. In a four-way race without Cuomo, Mamdani's support increased to 55 percent. In a four-way race without Adams, Mamdani's backing rose to 51 percent. Mamdani's level of support never dips below 50 percent in the poll and increases with a thinner field and head-to-head contests. A one-on-one matchup between Mamdani and Cuomo results in a win for the assemblyman of 52 percent to 40 percent, per the poll, with 8 percent undecided. Mamdani's advantage grows if facing off against Adams, increasing to 59 percent compared to 32 percent for the sitting mayor. Mamdani is also the only candidate the majority of respondents would consider (58 percent) voting for in this fall's election. In comparison, 37 percent said they would consider voting for Cuomo; 27 percent for Adams; 26 percent for Sliwa; and 10 percent for Walden. When asked who they would not consider voting for, just 32 percent of respondents said Mamdani. Respective numbers for Cuomo, Adams, Sliwa and Walden were 60 percent, 68 percent, 59 percent and 40 percent. Half of respondents said they don't know enough about Walden to properly answer—the highest percentage by far, and 35 percentage points more than Sliwa and 40 percentage points more than Mamdani. The poll, consisting of respondents from Bronx, Kings, New York, Queens and Richmond counties, has a 2.9 percent margin of error for registered voters and 3.9 percent for likely 2025 mayoral election voters. About 70 percent of respondents said they were "dissatisfied" with the direction of the city. The most important issues to them are housing costs (65 percent); price of groceries, utilities and household items (58 percent); and crime/public safety (51 percent). The poll represents the largest sample size of any publicly released figures pertaining to the 2025 New York City mayoral general election. What People Are Saying David Schwartz, chairman of Gotham Polling and Analytics, in emailed remarks to Newsweek on Tuesday: "The numbers show that if everyone stays in the race, Mamdani will be tougher to beat. If the field clears for Cuomo, Cuomo would have a reasonable opportunity to win in a limited field. Mamdani does top out at numbers that were inconceivable just months ago; he does top out at around 40 percent. The moderate turnout is a key factor, as well as if college students are willing to come out in record numbers like they did in the primary." Mamdani, in an X post earlier this month showing Cuomo and President Donald Trump complimenting one another: "Trump loves Cuomo." Adams made remarks about Cuomo at the Bronx Dominican Parade over the weekend, criticizing him for stepping down as governor in 2021 when investigated for sexual harassment allegations: "I hung in there. I made a commitment to the city, that I was gonna serve as their mayor. He did not. He abandoned the state, and he stepped down from his role and his responsibility." Cuomo on Adams, in remarks made while he was grand marshal at this year's Colombian Parade in Queens: "During his personal strife, he went and made a deal with President Trump to save himself at the cost of New Yorkers, and he put himself over the interest of New Yorkers." What Happens Next The New York City mayoral general election is set for November 4. Adams, who won the office by running as a Democrat, is vying for his second term.
