Staff Reports
The recent House Judiciary Committee hearing on sanctuary cities brought Baltimore’s crime statistics into sharp focus, sparking a heated exchange between Rep. Brandon Gill and a Democratic witness. The discussion centered on whether Baltimore, a city with a homicide rate five times the national average, could genuinely be considered “safe.” Despite the witness’s insistence that safety is a matter of perception, the stark reality of Baltimore’s crime rates tells a different story.
Baltimore has long struggled with violent crime, and while recent data shows some improvement, such as a 22% drop in homicides in early 2025 compared to the previous year, the city remains one of the most dangerous in the nation. With robbery rates 8.4 times higher than the national average and an assault rate more than three times above average, claims of safety appear disconnected from the lived experiences of many residents. These statistics highlight the challenges posed by progressive policies that prioritize perception over measurable outcomes.
Sanctuary city policies have come under scrutiny for their potential to undermine public safety by limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. Critics argue that these policies create an environment where criminals can operate with impunity, further exacerbating crime in already struggling cities like Baltimore. Rep. Gill’s pointed questioning underscored this concern, challenging witnesses to reconcile their defense of sanctuary policies with the grim realities faced by residents.
While Baltimore has seen some success with initiatives like its Group Violence Reduction Strategy, which combines law enforcement with community intervention, these efforts are undermined by broader policy failures. The refusal to confront hard truths about crime and public safety perpetuates a cycle of denial that hinders meaningful progress. Leaders who prioritize ideological commitments over practical solutions risk alienating voters and leaving communities vulnerable.
The hearing served as a reminder that public safety cannot be reduced to platitudes or subjective perceptions. Addressing crime requires honest acknowledgment of the facts and a willingness to implement policies that prioritize law and order. Until cities like Baltimore confront these challenges head-on, their residents will continue to bear the brunt of failed leadership and misplaced priorities.
