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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Saturday aimed at pushing back against President Donald Trump’s threats of a planned immigration crackdown in the city.
The new order provides guidance to the city’s agencies and law enforcement on how to conduct themselves “in the midst of escalating threats from the federal government,” the order said.
Trump border czar Tom Homan said Thursday that plans are underway to send a “large contingent” of Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to Chicago.
“You’re going to see a ramp-up of operations in Chicago, absolutely,” Homan said during a press briefing. “You’re going to see a ramp-up of operations in New York. You’re going to see a ramp-up of operations continuing in L.A., Portland, Seattle, all these sanctuary cities that refuse to work with ICE.”
Trump may also send in the National Guard after he deployed them in D.C. earlier this month over what he called a “crime emergency.” But National Guard members ― including some units armed with handguns and rifles ― have spent most of their time standing around, chatting with tourists and picking up trash.
Johnson said the executive order also makes clear that Chicago police are not to collaborate with National Guard members or ICE agents. The order also directs police to wear their official uniforms and not wear masks.
“We may see militarized immigration enforcement,” Johnson said before signing the order. “We may also see National Guard troops. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets. We have not called for this. Our people have not asked for this, but nevertheless, we find ourselves having to respond to this.”
Earlier this week, Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D) emphasized that he has not requested federal intervention in a city where overall violent crime is down by roughly 22% compared to 2024.
“Mr. President, do not come to Chicago,” Pritzker said. “You are neither wanted here nor needed here.”
The White House called Johnson’s executive order signing a publicity stunt.
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“If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said in a statement.
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