Chicago Mayor Signs Executive Order for “ICE-Free Zones”
On Monday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took a significant step by signing an executive order that establishes what he refers to as “ICE-free zones.” This move is a direct reaction to ongoing federal immigration enforcement raids within the city.
The order applies to various city-owned properties, including schools, libraries, and parks. It also provides an option for private businesses to join in prohibiting federal immigration enforcement actions on their premises.
However, it’s important to note that this order doesn’t interfere with lawful judicial warrants or ongoing criminal investigations. Instead, it specifically targets civil immigration enforcement, which includes operations related to non-criminal deportations.
In an effort to make this clear, each designated property will display signs indicating the ban, stating: “This property is owned and/or controlled by the City of Chicago. It may not be used for civil immigration enforcement, including as a staging area, processing location, or operations base.”
The mayor’s office shared that the reasoning behind this action stems from concerns about the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) using city-owned properties as bases for their operations, arguing that such practices “undermine community trust.”
“In recent weeks, federal agents have used several city-owned properties—such as parking lots near Harrison and Kedzie, as well as a vacant lot at 46th and Damen—as staging sites for immigration enforcement,” the announcement noted. “Such use of city property undermines community trust and undermines Chicago’s Welcoming City Ordinance, which ensures that all residents—regardless of immigration status—can live, work, and seek services without fear,” it added.
Johnson further explained that the order is designed to “build a broad civic shield that limits the reach of harmful enforcement practices.”
“It strengthens neighborhood solidarity and reaffirms Chicago’s role as a welcoming city. We cannot allow unchecked actions throughout our city. If Congress won’t hold this administration accountable, then Chicago will,” he emphasized.
Moreover, he expressed concerns about political dynamics, saying, “The right wing of this country wants a rematch of the Civil War,” and highlighted what he sees as a declaration of war by the current administration against the people of Chicago and beyond.
In response, the White House quickly criticized Johnson’s order, labeling it “SICK.”
“Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson just announced he signed an executive order creating ‘ICE Free Zones’ to ban ICE agents from city property. This is SICK. He is aiding and abetting individuals involved in criminal activities,” the official White House rapid response account posted.
This announcement follows President Trump’s decision to deploy 300 Illinois National Guard troops to support federal immigration agents and property, coinciding with recent protests where anti-ICE demonstrators clashed with law enforcement.
In one notable incident, a federal immigration agent was forced to shoot at an “armed domestic terrorist” who rammed her vehicle into an ICE unit, resulting in her arrest.
This order has stirred considerable debate, and it’ll be interesting to see how it impacts the ongoing discussions around immigration policy and community relations.
