On Saturday, Mayor Brandon Johnson took a bold step by signing an executive order designed to defend the rights of Chicago residents. This move comes as concerns rise over federal agents potentially arriving in the city this Friday to ramp up immigration enforcement.
The order, known as the “Protecting Chicago Initiative,” aims to ensure transparency and protect citizen rights. Johnson emphasized that no federal agents should patrol wearing masks, and they must display badges and other identification to citizens.
“This executive order is a clear statement that this president cannot come into our city and commandeer our police force,” Johnson declared during a press conference. “We reject the idea of military machines in our streets, families torn apart, or any residents—especially grandmothers—being tossed into unmarked vans. Chicagoans should never fear harassment from federal agents for simply enjoying their own front porches. Our identity as a city is rooted in respect for human rights, and that extends to our national identity as well.”
The order also urges the Trump administration to hold off on deploying U.S. Armed Forces, including the National Guard, to Chicago.
According to the order, the city is committed to exploring all legal channels to combat any federal interventions that undermine the rights of Chicagoans, particularly their constitutional rights to assemble and protest peacefully. The directive also mandates that city departments refrain from participating in enforcement actions that would infringe upon these rights.
Moreover, it’s specified that Chicago police cannot use any form of disguise while on duty except for necessary medical or safety gear. The aim is to ensure that officers retain their visibility and accountability to the public.
The policy also strongly advises federal agents to follow similar rules, mandating them to wear body cameras when interacting with people and clearly display over identifying information, such as agency affiliation and badge details.
Currently, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have often operated without proper identification, raising serious concerns among residents over ambiguity during enforcement operations.
While it’s still uncertain what consequences might occur if federal entities disregard Johnson’s order, he hinted that the city could potentially seek legal action. “We will explore every legal avenue available, including taking matters to court if necessary,” he stated.
However, legal analyst Irv Miller pointed out that Johnson lacks the authority to dictate the appearance of ICE agents or National Guard personnel, just as the president cannot mandate uniforms for local police.
Miller noted, “This essentially boils down to a political appeal rather than a legal one, which may not heavily sway ICE agents.” He further added that the city’s options might be limited if the Trump administration decides to bolster its federal law enforcement in Chicago.
The executive order instructs governmental departments to routinely request information from the Department of Homeland Security regarding ICE and Customs enforcement activities, maintaining transparency about these operations.
As federal troop concerns escalate, Johnson anticipates the arrival quite soon. “Our timeline is short; we do not have the luxury to wait. Events might unfold quickly, not on the horizon, but in mere days,” he emphasized.
His allies in the city council agree that the order sends a solid message upwards to the federal government and reinforces Chicago’s character. Alderman Andre Vasquez pointed out that this declaration reflects the city’s values, standing firmly against authoritarian behavior.
Another council member, Alderman Mike Rodriguez, reassured public sentiment, stating, “Clarity and assuredness come from this order—residents can relax knowing Chicago’s law enforcement won’t assist federal authorities in deportation or immigration issues. That matters to our community.”
White House representative Abigail Jackson responded to the mayor’s efforts, accusing local Democrats of avoiding crime issues in their cities and ridiculing their reactions to the President’s actions. She even referenced remarks made by fellow Democratic Mayor Muriel Bowser, implying approval of federal efforts to curb crime in Washington, D.C.
Recently, President Trump dispatched National Guard troops to D.C. to aid police, claiming significant crime numbers were being manipulated amidst accusations that similar intimidation tactics could be rolled out in Chicago as well.
Among Chicagoans, there’s anxiety that federal operations might turn drastic, akin to what occurred in Los Angeles, where militarized actions sparked public disdain and protests.
Running on personal insight, Johnson said he is actively discussing strategies with his Los Angeles counterpart regarding best practices involving federal involvement.
Reflecting urgency, he stated, “The time to take a stand is now—time waits for no one.”
