Chicago’s Executive Order to Oversee ICE Operations

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has enacted the “ICE On Notice” executive order, aimed at enhancing oversight of federal immigration enforcement and holding agents accountable for any illegal actions while operating within the city.

In a statement released by the mayor’s office, it was noted that this executive order directs the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to investigate and document allegations of unlawful activities carried out by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers, referring any evidence to the Cook County State Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution.

This move marks Chicago as the first city in the U.S. to employ local authorities for imposing legal accountability on federal immigration enforcement agents.

The backdrop for this decision includes rising tensions and opposition against ICE, particularly after President Donald Trump’s administration deployed numerous federal personnel to Minnesota due to significant fraudulent activities linked to the Somali community. Protests ignited in Minneapolis, where federal agents fatally shot two civilians, Renee Good and Alex Pretti, during what was described as resistance to orders.

“There is no such thing as ‘absolute immunity’ in America,” Johnson remarked. “The lawlessness of Trump’s militarized immigration agents puts the lives and well-being of every Chicagoan in immediate danger. With today’s order, we are putting ICE on notice in our city. Chicago will not sit idly by while Trump floods federal agents into our communities and terrorizes our residents.”

According to the mayor, federal immigration officers have infringed upon constitutionally protected rights, destabilized neighborhoods, and instigated dangerous confrontations.

Procedures for the CPD when observing potential violations by federal agents include:

• Documenting federal enforcement actions per CPD policy;
• Preserving any body-camera footage from incidents that include use of force, detentions, injuries, or other enforcement activities;
• Identifying the federal supervisory officer present, verifying their name and badge number, and recording this information using body cameras, including any noncompliance;
• Completing a report on any infractions of state or local laws by federal agents, adhering to CPD policies;
• Immediately calling emergency medical services and providing aid to any injured individuals on-site.

“The order comes amid reports the federal government is planning another immigration surge in Chicago and the surrounding area later this spring,” stated the mayor’s office.

Other Democrats have also advocated for stricter oversight of immigration officers. Notably, Representatives Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) and Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) have introduced the ICE OUT Act, which seeks to eliminate qualified immunity for ICE agents.

Meanwhile, the Senate is discussing immigration enforcement reform while having passed a two-week stopgap measure to maintain current funding levels for the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), as they work on new policies and a potential full-year funding bill.