Chicago officials have criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson for announcing new guidelines for dealing with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) ahead of President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration.
friday johnson Guidelines released As for how to handle ICE visits on city property, it reaffirmed the administration's “commitment to the Welcoming City Ordinance.”
The mayor's office has prepared for changes in federal administration and pledged that the city will continue to comply with the Illinois Trust Act of 2017, which prohibits local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement.
If ICE enters city property, Johnson's guidelines state, “Please contact your agency or department's designated attorney or general counsel for further guidance. Contact the highest-ranking official or designated supervisor at the scene. “Contact the person and do not take any action until the person arrives.”
Chicago faith leaders suspend in-person Spanish-language services in preparation for mass deportation: Report
As the immigration crisis continues and crime soars in the Windy City, Mayor Johnson institutes a 60-day shelter eviction policy for immigrants. (Getty Images/AP)
The guidelines require a copy of the warrant and do not consent to ICE entering a “private or 'sensitive' location,” but do not obstruct the search even if denied. Additional recommendations include taking notes and keeping written records of the moment.
“The mayor and corporate advisors are consulting with department leaders on guidelines to ensure Chicago remains a welcoming city for all residents,” the mayor's office said in a statement.
But 15th Ward Alderman Ray Lopez criticized Johnson's efforts. FOX 32 Chicago.
“In fact, I'm surprised that the mayor is going to this extraordinary effort to try to stop what Aldo Tavares and I want to do, which is to eliminate the small number of people who choose to commit crimes in the city of Chicago. “Lopez said.
He went on to say:
Lopez's comments came after he and fellow 23rd Ward Councilwoman Silvana Tavares proposed amendments to the Welcoming City Ordinance. According to FOX 32, the law would allow local agencies to work with ICE to target undocumented individuals who have been “arrested or convicted of certain crimes.”
“The mayor and his supporters' argument is that we're trying to get rid of everyone, but that's not the case at all,” Lopez said.
He noted that arrests must be for “one of four crime categories: gang-related activity, drug-related activity, prostitution and human trafficking, and sex crimes involving minors.”
The bill is scheduled to be voted on by the City Council on Wednesday.
Chicago clears largest homeless camp, relocates tent dwellers to apartments, shelters: Report
Since the beginning of the year, many Chicagoans have opposed the construction of new housing for the influx of immigrants into their neighborhoods. (Screenshot/Fox 32 Chicago)
Lopez further explained that the Trump administration will focus on “dangerous” illegal aliens with criminal records and those with temporary protected status.
“We see Congress moving in that direction on a bipartisan basis as well. Why aren’t we also joining this effort? It really begs the question: Who is the mayor trying to protect and why? “Are we that desperate about protecting criminals here in the city of Chicago?” he said.
President Trump names border czarTom Homan promised to go after Chicago with strict enforcement for criticizing Illinois political leaders.
Recently arrived migrants sit on the floor and cots of a temporary city-run shelter at O'Hare International Airport on August 31, 2023. ((Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images))
Mr. Homan spelled out his plan at a Republican holiday party last month, vowing to verify the identities of asylum seekers and arrest those who provide shelter to illegal immigrants.
Homan also warned that Johnson would be prosecuted if he interfered. ICE’s Mass Deportation Efforts.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Chicago officials did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital.
