Mayor Brandon Johnson Bans Use Of City Property For Immigration Enforcement

Mayor Brandon Johnson's executive order prohibits federal agents from using city-owned property for immigration enforcement, responding to recent reports of such activities in Chicago. This move aims to protect community trust and uphold the Welcoming City Ordinance, which promotes Chicago as a sanctuary for immigrants. The order allows private property owners to post signs indicating their premises are off-limits for civil immigration enforcement, though compliance is voluntary. Johnson highlighted that public spaces like school parking lots and libraries should prioritize community use over federal operations. Legal action will be pursued against federal officers who violate the order, although it does not authorize local police to arrest them.

Johnson also suggested that more executive actions could follow if federal enforcement escalates, reflecting ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities. The executive order comes amid plans for deploying National Guard troops in Chicago to guard ICE facilities, which local leaders are contesting in court. This legal challenge emphasizes the ongoing conflict regarding federal immigration policies and their impact on local communities.