Chicago Mayor Connects with Other Sanctuary City Leaders

On Wednesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shared that he is in “regular contact” with mayors from other cities designated as “sanctuary cities,” which aim to limit enforcement of federal immigration laws. This comes in the wake of comments by former President Donald Trump advocating for an end to such cities, reported following a series of shootings involving Homeland Security agents in Minneapolis.

At a press conference at the National Press Club, Johnson mentioned discussions with Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and Boston Mayor Michelle Wu regarding their collective approach to resisting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). “Responding to operations in Chicago, I leaned heavily on insights from other cities, including how Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass managed her city while it faced federal scrutiny,” he noted. He emphasized the ongoing communication with executive teams from cities like Minneapolis, Portland, Oakland, Boston, Denver, and Baltimore to share experiences and develop strategies that protect their residents.

The incidents involving victims Renee Nicole Good and Alex Preti occurred during a standoff linked to a group known as the Rapid Response Network, which seeks to disrupt ICE operations. This network keeps track of ICE vehicles, informs the public about ICE agent locations, and sometimes mobilizes crowds to confront agents trying to arrest undocumented immigrants, which can lead to physical altercations.

The investigation into the shooting of Preti, who was legally carrying a concealed weapon, is ongoing, and two Border Patrol agents involved have been placed on administrative leave. A witness’s video seemingly contradicts initial claims made by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, including evidence that a Border Patrol agent held Preti’s gun before the shooting.

Preti had previously sustained injuries from an encounter with ICE shortly before this incident, and reports indicate he was part of an anti-ICE network.

In August, the Justice Department sued Wu for refusing to comply with immigration enforcement. Similarly, Frey previously affirmed in an interview that the Minneapolis Police Department would not assist federal immigration operations, reiterating this in communications on X after discussing matters with Border Czar Tom Homan.

In Portland, there have been violent protests against ICE, including attacks on journalists covering these events, with plans to use lasers to target federal law enforcement aircraft. During the conference, Johnson alluded to prior efforts he authorized to hinder ICE’s work, stating, “In August, we signed a groundbreaking executive order, creating what we call ICE-free zones, effectively banning ICE and Border Patrol from city property without a judicial warrant.” He added that such measures required collaboration with legal and police departments to establish necessary protocols.

Johnson further mentioned ongoing efforts to hold ICE and Border Patrol agents accountable for misconduct, asserting that Chicago aims to be the first city to implement such accountability measures.

Reports have highlighted that ICE officers in Chicago have faced violence, with rioters calling for their arrests or harm.