Chicago City Wire

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing criticism for his use of racialized language when addressing the city's illegal immigration challenges.

The controversy unfolded during a conversation on MSNBC with Al Sharpton, where Mayor Johnson claimed that Governor Greg Abbott of Texas is intentionally targeting Democrat-led cities, especially those with black or leaders of color, in the immigration debate.

The discussion took a contentious turn when Al Sharpton asked Mayor Johnson about New York City Mayor Eric Adams filing a $700 million lawsuit against 17 charter bus companies involved in transporting migrants from Texas.

Johnson responded by condemning Abbott's approach, describing it as "reckless and raggedy" and attributing evil intentions to the actions.

“Well, you know, look, you're very, you're absolutely right about the intentions of Governor Abbott. He is attacking Democratically ran cities, and particularly cities that are being led by black leaders or leaders of color. This is unconscionable. I mean, it's a very raggedy approach. And quite frankly, not only is it reckless and raggedy, but it is evil spirited,” Johnson told Sharpton.

The Chicago Contrarian dismissed the remarks as a "race hustle."

“In another ‘Poor Me’ interview featuring a trembling upper lip and crocodile tears, @ChicagosMayor disgraced himself by claiming Gov. Greg Abbott is deliberately sending illegals to sanctuary cities led by ‘black leaders or leaders of color,’” the Chicago Contrarian said on X.

“When all else fails, race hustle.”

Johnson has been lobbying the Biden White House and some Democrats in Congress, seeking $5 billion for migrant assistance, a figure not aligned with the administration's request for $1.4 billion.

The mayor emphasized the unsustainable burden Chicago is facing and expressed concerns about the soaring costs associated with managing the crisis.

Johnson’s recent actions run counter to comments he made while running for the mayor’s office in March 2023.

“Chicago must lead with and live by the promise to be a sanctuary city,” Johnson said in a tweet at the time.

“Longtime Chicagoans don't have to lose for new arrivals to gain — there's enough space at the table for all of us to sit and eat.”

“Immigrants are welcome here.”

Last fall when Chicago aldermen tried to debate a resolution that sought to place an item on referendum in March’s primary election asking Chicago voters if the city’s “sanctuary” status would remain, Johnson loyalists caused havoc in City Council chambers trying to pre-empt the meeting by disallowing a quorum and at one point turning off the lights on the elected body.

The fracas included allegations of intimidation and harassment by Carlos Ramirez-Rosa, Johnson’s then Floor Leader.

Ramirez-Rosa later resigned for his behavior during the proceedings.

However, the attempt to bring the matter to the voters was ultimately unsuccessful.