Chicago, a sanctuary city, has reportedly instructed its police force to ignore requests for assistance from ICE agents. This comes amid increasing protests, where some demonstrators are becoming violent in their opposition to federal enforcement efforts.
Multiple police unions have criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson and police leadership for allegedly directing officers to withhold support from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal authorities, particularly as they confront protesters.
As reported by the New York Post, a Chicago police dispatcher stated that when an ICE officer sought back-up on the radio Sunday, the response was, “We don’t send anyone there.”
Similarly, it’s been mentioned that a Chicago police vehicle was nearby while ICE agents faced aggressive protestors.
This lack of action has upset the largest police coalition in the nation, with leaders expressing their shock over the Chicago Police Department’s refusal to assist an ICE agent who was under threat.
The president of the National Fraternal Order of Police and the Illinois FOP have condemned the patrol chief’s orders to ignore ICE agents. Reports have surfaced indicating this disconnect.
“Details are still coming out, but it seems that Chicago officers have been told not to support a group of ICE agents facing a physical threat from what seems to be an angry crowd,” a union representative stated. “To be clear, both the National FOP and the Illinois FOP believe officers should respond to calls for help, regardless of the circumstances.”
He further elaborated:
“Like our fellow officers, we denounce these actions and call on Chicago officials to ensure that law enforcement expecting assistance receive it promptly.”
“The fundamental principle of law enforcement is to respond when fellow officers are in distress. What happens if local police are at risk and are told not to assist?” remarked Illinois FOP President Chris Southwood. “Whether or not they agree with federal immigration policies, officers must not be hindered from helping their peers.”
On another front, the Department of Homeland Security has condemned the escalating violence faced by ICE in Chicago and other sanctuary cities, attributing it to politicians inciting unrest for political ends.
“Fortunately, our law enforcement personnel have not suffered fatalities from attacks during these tumultuous encounters,” stated Deputy Director Tricia McLaughlin on Sunday. “This scenario occurs when leaders like Governor J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson demonize ICE and embolden illegal immigrants to resist law enforcement.”
McLaughlin also highlighted a staggering 1000% increase in violence directed at ICE personnel.
