Chicago Mayor Bans Immigration Enforcement on City Property

On Monday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order that prohibits federal immigration agents from using city property for enforcement activities. This move comes as the Trump administration prepares to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois.

Johnson’s initiative, termed the “Ice-free Zone,” protects city spaces from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of his broader Protecting Chicago initiative. He has consistently opposed Trump’s aggressive crime policies and deportation tactics.

“Today, we are signing an executive order aimed at restraining this out-of-control administration,” Johnson stated during a press conference. He explained that the order sets up an ice-free zone, ensuring city property, as well as private businesses that do not consent, will not serve as staging grounds for immigration enforcement.

In response to the Trump administration’s actions, Johnson along with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, has taken steps to halt ICE’s deportation efforts. Pritzker filed a lawsuit on the same day, aiming to stop the deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois.

“The Trump administration must end the war with Chicago,” Johnson remarked, further asserting, “We will not allow the militarization of our city as an excuse to escalate hostilities.”

In his remarks, Johnson criticized the political right for wanting to revisit past conflicts, saying it is time to build greater resistance to such tendencies. He emphasized that Chicago does not tolerate ICE agents who mess with the constitutional rights of its residents.

“This executive order ensures that Chicago protects the constitutional rights of its residents and immigrant communities and supports democracy,” Johnson stressed.

The mayor has instructed city departments to identify locations that could be targeted during potential ICE operations, making it clear that these city-owned sites will not be available for immigration enforcement activities.

Johnson warned, “If the federal government violates this executive order, we will take them to court.”

Pritzker, a potential presidential candidate in 2028, condemned the Trump administration’s plans as “absolutely outrageous,” stating, “We now need to start calling this what it is: Trump’s invasion.”

After Pritzker opted against deploying Illinois State Guard troops, Texas Governor Greg Abbott allowed the Trump administration to send 400 members of the Texas National Guard to states like Illinois and Oregon.

The White House has belittled Pritzker’s decision, implying that he is neglecting his responsibility to manage crime in Chicago. A White House representative suggested that the governor would rather prioritize his political stance than ensure the safety of his city.

The White House and the Department of Homeland Security have not yet commented on these developments.