Chicago’s New Executive Order on ICE
In a move that’s caught significant attention, Mayor Brandon Johnson has declared a specific area in Chicago as an “ICE-free zone.” This declaration comes amid heightened discussions following a recent arrest linked to immigration enforcement in the city.
On Monday, Johnson signed an executive order that prohibits ICE personnel from utilizing city-owned properties. He also encouraged local businesses to adopt similar policies at their facilities.
In a post on social media, Johnson expressed his firm stance, stating, “We do not tolerate ICE employees who violate the constitutional rights of residents, nor do we allow the federal government to ignore local governments.”
He further emphasized the seriousness of the situation:
ICE officials detain and abuse Chicago residents, impacting elected lawmakers and endangering demonstrators, children, and even police officers. Such actions are not supported in our city. With this executive order, Chicago stands resolutely in defending the constitutional rights of its residents, especially within immigrant communities, and upholding democracy.
In light of Johnson’s order, the White House responded by releasing a list of undocumented immigrants arrested by ICE in Chicago.
Among those listed is Stephen Chebe, an Austrian national found guilty of numerous sexual offenses and facing further charges of murder and sexual abuse of minors.
There’s also Jose Sanchez Torres, a Mexican individual with convictions related to child exposure and domestic violence, who was ordered to leave the U.S. back in 2004.
Cristobal Kalias Machine, a Salvadoran national, has been convicted of statutory rape while also facing lawsuits for assault.
Antonio Rosales Rodriguez, another Mexican, has a history of arrests for domestic violence, theft, and other serious offenses.
Blanca Cecilia Sanchez-Sanchez was linked to the notorious Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua.
Yushell Alejandro del Toro, also from Mexico, is pending multiple assault charges.
Lastly, Angel Galindo Viveros has a record that includes armed robbery and various firearm offenses.
Refugio Ramirez-Larios has been convicted of serious crimes including possession of illegal weapons and cocaine.
Critics of Johnson’s approach are vocal, arguing that his stance on immigration laws places illegal immigrants over the safety of Chicago families. “Johnson’s misguided belief that enforcing immigration laws damages community trust reveals his real priorities. It’s not about protecting terrified families but about protecting illegal alien criminals,” one critique noted.
Further, they argue that prioritizing the protection of undocumented immigrants not only undermines the safety of citizens but also reflects poorly on the political responsibilities of local leadership in light of broader national policies.
Despite Johnson’s efforts, ICE has reportedly arrested over 800 undocumented immigrants in Illinois through recent enforcement operations, suggesting ongoing tensions between local and federal immigration policies.
