The four mayors are appearing before a largely hostile House committee that has labeled their cities’ protection of migrants “misguided and obstructionist.”

Mayors of four of the largest cities in the U.S. appeared before lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday to defend their so-called "sanctuary city" laws, which restrict local officials in helping enforce federal immigration regulations.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker was not asked to appear before the Congressional committee but Philadelphia’s policies mirror those of several of the cities that were taken to task there.