Chicago police announced Monday that they will not cooperate with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) deportations looming across the Windy City, as President Trump vows to impose sweeping border security policies across the United States. .
President Trump returned to the White House on Monday and laid out plans to address issues surrounding illegal immigration and a weakened border during his inauguration.
“First, we will declare a national emergency at our southern border. All illegal immigration will cease immediately and we will begin the process of returning millions of criminal aliens to their home countries,” Trump added. He said he would end catch-and-release and send troops to the southern border to repel what he called “a disastrous invasion of our country.” By invoking the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, I will be directing our government to take enormous measures across the board. Federal and state law enforcement agencies will eliminate the presence of all foreign gangs and criminal networks, bringing devastating crime to the continental United States, including cities and urban centers. ”
But despite President Trump's pledge to remove and repatriate dangerous illegal immigrants, Chicago officials have made their own pledges not to follow through.
Chicago mayor expresses opposition to incoming Trump administration's immigration reform
On Monday, January 20, 2025, the day of President Donald Trump's inauguration, anti-Trump activists protested in Chicago's Loop. (Armando L. Sanchez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Chicago police said local ordinances include a law that prohibits federal immigration authorities from assisting in enforcement actions based on immigration status. The department also noted that it does not document immigration status or share individuals' immigration status with federal authorities.
City ordinances require supervisors to be on-site when immigration authorities request assistance with private immigration enforcement.
If the request is in support of civil immigration law enforcement, the supervisor will deny the request, but if it is unrelated to civil immigration law, the supervisor will take appropriate police action.
Chicagoans denounce the 'stupidity' of Mayor Brandon Johnson's liberal policies at City Council meeting
Chicago police vehicle on the city street. (Beata Saursel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
“To be clear, the Chicago Police Department does not assist with or intervene in the enforcement of civilian immigration in accordance with the Chicago Municipal Code,” the department said in a statement. “As always, we will continue to enforce the law when crimes occur, regardless of the nationality of those involved.”
A day after Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson doubled down on his pledge to oppose President Trump's sweeping reforms aimed at removing dangerous illegal immigrants accused of crimes from the United States upon his return to office. , police officials released a statement.
The mayor's office pledged that the city will continue to comply with the 2017 Illinois Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement.
Trump supporters punch Chicago mayor in the face days before City Council rejects tax hike
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has vowed not to assist federal agencies with immigration enforcement. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
“Chicago is in a strong position. Our resolve to protect and support our city is unwavering, no matter the circumstances,” Johnson wrote in a social media post. “We will continue to fight for justice and safety for all who call this place home.”
Chicago is home to tens of thousands of undocumented immigrants, but residents are pleading with city officials that they don't have enough resources to help them. According to previous reports, more than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the city since August 2022. fox 32 chicagoAnd thousands of people are in shelters.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The evacuation of migrants has angered residents, as it has reportedly cost the city $574.5 million since August 2022. At the last City Council meeting on Dec. 3, residents opposed a proposed roughly $60 million property tax increase to help officials weather the recession. $1 billion budget shortfall By the end of last year.
Fox News Digital's Joshua Q. Nelson contributed to this report.
