Mayor Wu responds to border czar while defending Boston Police commissioner

By Vivienne Felber

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has responded to Trump administration border czar Tom Homan after his criticism of Boston Police Commissioner Michael Cox.

Homan disparaged Cox in a speech at the Conservative Political Action Conference Saturday, where Homan referenced Cox’s stance on not supporting the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).  Homan also claimed Cox was politically motivated while also questioning his overall qualifications as Boston Police Commissioner.

Mayor Wu defended Cox while calling Homan’s remarks insulting and emphasizing Boston’s Commitment to being a welcoming city.

“It’s pretty clueless for someone to be insulting our police commissioner,” Wu told WCVB. “We want to be sure to say Boston is welcoming and safe for everyone.”

Wu also clarified that while Boston police enforce criminal warrants, they will not enforce civil detainer orders, a decision that Massachusetts’ highest court upheld.

This debate also highlights the growing fear within immigrant communities in Boston. Wu is planning to address the issue during her upcoming appearance before Congress on March 5.