In a move that has sparked significant debate, Chicago's Democrat Mayor Brandon Johnson has enacted an executive order establishing "ICE-free zones" throughout the city.
This initiative, announced on Monday, is a direct response to federal immigration raids taking place in Chicago. The order encompasses city-owned properties, including schools, libraries, parks, and parking facilities, while also extending an invitation to private entities to join in the prohibition of federal immigration enforcement activities.
As reported by One America News, the executive order does not interfere with lawful judicial warrants or criminal investigations, focusing instead on civil immigration enforcement, specifically non-criminal deportation operations. Each designated city property will display signage declaring the prohibition, stating: This property is owned and/or controlled by the City of Chicago. It may not be used for civil immigration enforcement, including as a: Staging area, processing location or operations base.
The mayor's office released a statement explaining the rationale behind the order, asserting that the use of city-owned properties by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) for enforcement purposes "undermines community trust." The statement highlighted recent instances where federal agents utilized city properties, such as parking lots near Harrison and Kedzie, and a vacant lot at 46th and Damen, as staging sites for immigration enforcement.
"Such use of city property undermines community trust and runs counter to Chicagos Welcoming City Ordinance, which ensures that all residentsregardless of immigration statuscan live, work, and seek services without fear," the announcement concluded.
Mayor Johnson further emphasized the intent of the order, stating, the order builds a broad civic shield that limits the reach of harmful enforcement practices. He continued, It strengthens neighborhood solidarity and it reaffirms Chicagos role as a welcoming city. The fact is, we cannot allow them to rampage throughout our city with no checks or balances. Nobody is above the law. If we break the law, you should be held accountable. If Congress will not check this administration, then Chicago will.
In a more provocative remark, Johnson claimed, The right wing of this country wants a rematch of the Civil War. I want that to set in right now because the president of the United States of America has declared war on the people of Chicago and the people across America.
The White House swiftly responded to Johnson's executive order, labeling it as "SICK." An official statement from the White House rapid response account on X criticized the mayor's decision, stating, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson just announced he signed an executive order creating ICE Free Zones to ban ICE agents from city property. This is SICK. He is aiding and abetting criminal illegal immigrant killers, rapists, traffickers, and gang bangers.
This development comes on the heels of President Trump's decision to federalize 300 Illinois National Guard troops to safeguard federal immigration agents and property amid escalating tensions between anti-ICE protesters and law enforcement. In a recent incident, a federal immigration agent was compelled to shoot an "armed domestic terrorist" who allegedly rammed her vehicle into an ICE vehicle filled with agents, resulting in her arrest.
The unfolding situation in Chicago underscores the ongoing national debate over immigration enforcement and the balance between federal authority and local governance. As the city navigates these contentious issues, the implications of Mayor Johnson's executive order remain a focal point of discussion.
Login