Council Supports the Defense of Boston as a Home for Everyone

On August 13, 2025, upon the direction of President Trump, United States Attorney General Pam Bondi sent a letter to the leaders of 18 sanctuary jurisdictions across the country, including Mayor Wu. In her letter, AG Bondi presented Boston with an ultimatum - eliminate city laws and policies like The Trust Act and commit to aiding Federal Agencies in enforcing federal immigration laws, or face prosecution and the withholding of federal funds. This week the Council adopted a resolution supporting Mayor Wu's response.

Mayor Wu responded to AG Bondi's demands on August 19, 2025 with a letter and press conference alongside elected officials and community leaders from across Boston. The Mayor's response re-affirmed the City's commitment to standing up for Boston residents, stating that Boston will never back down from this commitment. In her response, the Mayor asserted that Boston follows the law and stated that the United States Constitution protects a local government's authority to enact public safety policies without the threat of unlawful interference from the federal government. Mayor Wu's response highlighted that such protections have served as the legal backbone of the United States' system of government since its Founding Fathers declared independence from Great Britain, refusing to bow down to tyranny.

The Trust Act, established in 2014, codifies these Constitutionally established protections by outlining the limited role the Boston Police Department shall play in enforcing federal immigration policies. In 2024, the Boston City Council voted unanimously to affirm the Body's continued support for the Trust Act, re-affirming the City's commitment to protecting immigrant Bostonians from unjust enforcement actions and bolstering public safety.

The Council's most recent vote at this week's meeting to support Mayor Wu's response letter re-affirms the Body's commitment to protecting Boston residents and ensuring that Boston continues to be a beacon of freedom and home for everyone.