Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) expels residents from City Council meeting Amid fierce conflict over funding for illegal immigration.
At Monday's meeting, several residents spoke out against the mayor's handling of the immigration crisis and his proposed 2025 budget.
“I don't think it's a good idea to challenge Tom Homan on this.”
Despite community opposition, Johnson's budget passed. It took the mayor six weeks to muster the just 26 votes needed to approve the controversial plan.
One of residents' main concerns about the budget was the inclusion of $40 million in short-term loans, given that the city is already in debt.
Resident Jessica Jackson, wearing a “Chicago Flip Red” shirt, confronted Johnson during the public comment period.
“We're going to talk about this budget, the strange things that are happening, because, again, your name is on this May 2023 Executive Order, this Executive Order on Immigrant, Immigrant, and Refugee Rights. Because it’s on there,” she said. “You funneled all this money to illegal immigrants.”
Mr. Jackson called for an audit of taxpayer funds used to address the illegal immigration crisis in sanctuary cities.
Chicago resident Sharon Abbott accused Johnson of violating his oath of office by failing to protect the city from an “invasion” of illegal aliens.
“No one appointed a monarch to govern the people of Chicago. Rather, your duty as mayor is to serve the public, and you are bound by the provisions of the Constitution by the consent of the people.” “Only take action,” she said. .
Another resident, David Mason, expressed frustration with the city's numerous taxes, noting that Johnson had previously voted to adopt higher taxes.
“It's not surprising that he did that.” [Johnson] “We want to draw down a $40 million line of credit and put the city in more debt than it already owes with a $1.2 billion deficit,” Mason said.
“But it's your fault for giving half the money to illegal aliens,” he continued. “Let us not forget that we must be careful of these political maneuvers because that is what we call lazy governance.”
A fourth resident, who identified himself as a “Chicago conservative,” criticized Mr. Johnson's poor management of the city's budget.
The resident reminded the mayor that incoming Border Czar Tom Homan has threatened legal action against local leaders who knowingly harbor illegal immigrants.
“Since 2022, we have spent more than $574 million against illegal immigrants here in Chicago, Illinois,” he said. “My personal opinion is that Tom Homan is trying to clean up our city, so I don't think it's a good idea to challenge him on this.”
At the end of the public comment period, one resident in the audience began shouting out of turn.
“We will not accept fascist America,” the man shouted. “We refuse to allow our immigrant brothers and sisters to be rounded up and taken away.”
Other audience members booed in response.
johnson said“Sergeant, remove these people from the room.”
Homan said last week in Chicago that he plans to launch a mass deportation effort for President-elect Donald Trump.
“Chicago is in trouble because its mayor and governor suck, and we're going to start right here in Chicago, Illinois,” he declared. “Now, if the mayor of Chicago doesn't want to help, he can stand down. But if he gets in our way, or intentionally harbors or hides illegal aliens, then I'm going to stand down with him.” will be prosecuted.”
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