Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson enacted an executive order on Monday establishing "ICE-free zones" throughout properties owned by the city, in a significant pushback against federal immigration enforcement tactics. By prohibiting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from utilizing schools, parks, libraries, and other municipal facilities for their operations, Mayor Johnson aims to fortify the civil liberties and safety of residents.
The new executive order mandates that city-owned properties will now feature signs stating the restriction. An example provided by Fox 32 reads, "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." This development comes in the wake of confrontational ICE operations in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood, which included the detention of elected officials and altercations with community members.
Johnson's decision is framed as a defense against what he views as excessive federal enforcement that infringes on constitutional rights and due process. He contends that Chicagoans should not be intimidated by federal authorities or live in fear of their actions. This stance is especially poignant following incidents where Alderman Jessie Fuentes was handcuffed while inquiring about ICE agents' warrants at a hospital. The mayor condemned the federal tactics as aggressive and unlawful, further demanding ICE's exit from the city and calling on Chicagoans to oppose what he describes as escalating civil liberty violations.
The executive order's timing coincides with the Trump administration's deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago under Operation Midway Blitz, intended to reinforce immigration laws. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's memo reveals plans for 300 Illinois National Guard personnel to join the operation with additional forces from Texas. This has resulted in heightened concerns of federal overreach in a city known for its sanctuary policies.
As the White House "Rapid Response" team criticizes Johnson's order for allegedly protecting criminals and hindering law enforcement, supporters of sanctuary policies argue that these measures are crucial for protecting immigrant communities and maintaining trust with local police. Chicago's struggle with violent crime, including over 331 homicides recorded through early October and a Labor Day weekend that saw 54 people shot, seven fatally, adds complexity to the debate on federal involvement in local law enforcement.
Legal challenges are unfolding as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker files a lawsuit to block the National Guard deployment, with Chicago joining the suit, arguing that such federal troop presence is an example of executive overreach. Johnson's administration has issued multiple executive orders to limit federal enforcement and strengthen the city's sanctuary stance, vowing to continue monitoring federal activities and seeking legal remedies to ensure resident protection and municipal autonomy.
The standoff between Chicago's liberal leadership, federal authorities, and conservative critics showcases the deep political divide over immigration enforcement in U.S. cities. With over 900 arrests since the start of Operation Midway Blitz on September 8, the situation remains tense and heavily scrutinized.
