It was pure political theater. Boston, one should note, not only is considered one of the safest big cities in America, but it has only gotten safer on Wu’s watch. Homicides have fallen by more than half since 2020, to just 24 last year, and the number of shootings have also been cut in half, according to a Globe analysis of crime data.
The Republican committee members were defiant, looking at times desperate to produce the sort of viral moment that another Congressional committee engineered in 2023 and led to the ouster of two university presidents, including Harvard’s Claudine Gay.
Shame on him, for lying about my city,” Wu said. “Bring him here under oath, and let’s ask him some questions. I am here to make sure that the city of Boston is safe. Others may want to bring hell. We are here to bring peace to cities everywhere.”
Wu stayed on message about an ordinance known as the Boston Trust Act, first enacted in 2014 and updated in 2019, about the relationship between Boston police and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Wu repeatedly said the city does not ask individuals about immigration status, and Boston police will only assist ICE in cases involving criminal warrants for violent offenses, human trafficking, and other serious crimes.
By way of Boston Globe