Chicago has rolled out new resources aimed at helping immigrants as the Trump administration may tighten its focus on crime and illegal immigration in Democratic-led cities.
Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) and the city’s Immigration, Migrant, and Refugee Rights (IMRR) office introduced an updated website. This platform features user-friendly content that outlines immigrants’ rights and offers step-by-step guidance on how to navigate their new environments.
The site includes a “must-have checklist for new arrivals,” along with links to vital resources that cover essentials like food, shelter, government services, school registration, public transportation, and community assistance.
Additionally, Johnson and IMRR launched a Family Preparation Campaign, designed to equip residents with the necessary tools to handle potential family separations due to federal immigration actions.
This campaign encourages families to create a “family preparation plan,” utilizing printable resources. The plan is intended to help organize key information in the event of legal encounters. Suggestions include discussing what to do in case of separation, compiling important identification documents, arranging guardians for children, and updating emergency contacts for schools, doctors, and employers.
The city will also host a virtual “Family Preparation Workshop” every Thursday, in collaboration with the Chicago Legal Protection Fund, the Chicago Public Library, and the Revival Project. This workshop is an opportunity for community members to review online materials and engage directly with local organizations.
“The Family Preparation Campaign will empower the community with essential tools during this critical time,” Johnson stated.
“My administration will not let fear and uncertainty take over our community, and we will keep providing updates to ensure Chicago families are ready,” he added.
President Trump has indicated plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, a move likely to stir legal disputes and escalate political tensions between Illinois leadership and the White House.
In Washington, the Home Rules Act grants the president authority over the District of Columbia’s police for up to 30 days. While he’s also in command of the DC National Guard, these powers do not extend to sovereign states, where governors oversee their National Guards.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (D) has expressed concerns over potential federal immigration activities targeting Chicago, particularly during the upcoming Mexican Independence Day celebrations in September.
“There’s reason to believe Stephen Miller timed his visit to coincide with the Mexican Independence Day event that happens annually here,” Pritzker remarked.
