Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago is openly collaborating with mayors from other sanctuary cities to hinder federal immigration enforcement. This admission came during a press conference at the National Press Club, where Johnson revealed that he is in “regular communication” with other city leaders, including Jacob Frey of Minneapolis and Michelle Wu of Boston.
The mayor’s comments come against a backdrop of increased tensions and violence surrounding immigration enforcement, notably following the fatal shootings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti during ICE operations. Johnson pointed to his reliance on the experiences of mayors from cities like Los Angeles, whose leaders have faced similar challenges from federal authorities in the past. He stated, “To respond to the operation in Chicago, I leaned heavily on other cities’ responses.”
The operations that led to these tragic incidents are tied to what some refer to as “rapid-response” networks. These groups actively monitor ICE activity, sharing information and mobilizing to confront agents as they attempt to arrest individuals with criminal records. The confrontations can escalate quickly. In the case of Pretti, a concealed carry permit holder, video evidence reportedly complicates the official account of his death, with bystanders capturing moments that challenge statements from authorities.
Notably, Wu’s refusal to cooperate with immigration enforcement has drawn legal action from the Department of Justice, indicating a broader trend among sanctuary cities to resist federal oversight. Frey has likewise made headlines for his commitment to non-cooperation with immigration enforcement, reiterating his stance publicly.
The hostility toward ICE agents has reached alarming heights. Reports have circulated of attacks on agents, including vehicle-ramming incidents. Activists have targeted ICE facilities directly, with videos posted online showing calls for violence against federal agents.
Johnson has taken a proactive stance in Chicago, enacting measures designed to challenge ICE operations within the city’s limits. He announced the creation of “ICE-Free Zones,” which limit the ability of ICE and Border Patrol agents to operate without a judicial warrant. “This had not been done anywhere in the country,” Johnson asserted. He believes these steps could make Chicago a model for holding federal officers accountable for misconduct.
In the last few months, violence toward immigration enforcement personnel has only intensified. Gunfire aimed at ICE agents is becoming an unsettling norm. Graffiti calling for violence against these agents is visible, reflecting the mounting hostility these personnel face in their efforts to enforce federal immigration laws.
Johnson’s responses, along with the actions of other mayors, underscore a significant standoff between local jurisdictions and federal immigration authorities. As both sides navigate this contentious landscape, it remains clear that the tension shows no signs of easing, with ongoing debates about the appropriate limits of immigration enforcement in urban America.
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