Tensions are escalating in Chicago between Mayor Brandon Johnson, Governor JB Pritzker, and the Trump administration. Recently, Stephen Miller, a key figure in Trump’s White House, issued a strong statement highlighting that many liberal cities are now calling for federal intervention to tackle crime and gang activities.
Chicago has had a reputation for being a dangerous city for years. However, with federal involvement on the table, Democrats seem to be obstructing real progress. Historically, Chicago has been supportive of illegal immigrants. Let’s explore how this sanctuary city policy began.
Origins of Sanctuary City Policy
The sanctuary city status in Chicago dates back to 1985 when Mayor Harold Washington signed an executive order that prohibited city workers from inquiring about an individual’s immigration status. Chicago now stands alongside other liberal cities like Cambridge, Massachusetts, and various places in California, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
At that time, it was estimated that 80,000 individuals from Guatemala and El Salvador resided in San Francisco.
Welcoming City Ordinance
Fast forward to 2012, and then-Mayor Rahm Emanuel officially established Chicago as a sanctuary city through the Welcoming City Ordinance. The ordinance was carefully crafted to protect illegal immigrants who haven’t been convicted of serious crimes. Emanuel notably stated that the city wanted to welcome those who follow the rules while ensuring the police community built trust with immigrant advocacy groups.
Today, this regulation remains in effect, ensuring city employees cannot aid in investigating anyone’s immigration status without a federal or court order.
Police Restrictions Under Lightfoot
In 2021, Mayor Lori Lightfoot updated the Welcoming City Ordinance, specifically targeting police practices to limit their collaboration with federal investigations. The updated policy dictated that police couldn’t detain or arrest individuals based solely on immigration status or civil warrants. It even replaced the term “citizen” with “person” or “resident” in official documents.
Lightfoot remarked, “Being a welcoming city means embracing everyone, allowing people to live authentically without fear.”
City Council Actions Against Deportations
In January 2025, the Chicago City Council voted 39-11 against a proposal allowing police to assist federal authorities in apprehending individuals accused of specific crimes. This would have included involvement in gang activities and other serious offenses. Mayor Johnson voiced his support for the Council’s decision, emphasizing the importance of community safety and trust.
Informational Campaign for Undocumented Residents
In the same month, Johnson initiated a campaign aimed at informing illegal immigrants of their rights, distributing materials in multiple languages. His administration reaffirmed that Chicago remains a sanctuary space, rejecting any form of intimidation from the Trump administration.
Push for Work Permits for Illegal Immigrants
Mayor Johnson reached out to President Biden in 2024, requesting assistance in securing work permits for undocumented immigrants in Chicago. This was part of a broader agenda to ensure economic opportunities for long-term undocumented residents, although it was unclear which taxes were being referenced. Thankfully, this proposal failed.
Legal Action Against the Trump Administration
Recently, Chicago and Illinois filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration regarding the deployment of the National Guard to the city, asserting that such actions are illegal. The suit aims to halt the “unlawful federalization” of National Guard members, especially since 400 troops from Texas were recently dispatched to Chicago amidst ongoing protests targeting ICE.
Establishment of an “ICE-free Zone”
Astonishingly, Mayor Johnson announced an “ICE-free zone” in October 2025, meaning city property and certain private businesses would no longer be used as staging areas for ICE operations. He insisted that ICE agents would not be allowed to “run amok” in the city. This announcement was partly a response to reports of ICE using school grounds as operational bases.
However, remarks from federal officials indicated that assaults on ICE agents had spiked significantly, calling into question the mayor’s commitment to safety.
