Chicago City Wire

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the city’s police department would not collaborate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in deportation efforts, referring to President-elect Donald Trump as a “tyrant.” His remarks came in response to threats from the incoming administration to target so-called “sanctuary cities” like Chicago.

At a recent press conference, Johnson emphasized that involving local police in federal immigration duties would strain the already burdened department and could harm trust with the city’s illegal aliens. He argued that using local law enforcement to carry out federal immigration raids would set a dangerous precedent, potentially making vulnerable residents feel unsafe.

“The last thing we need is as members of community feel like they could experience a raid from a local police department on behalf of a tyrant,” Johnson said.

He called on Trump to focus on constructive solutions by working with Congress on meaningful immigration reform, referencing earlier bipartisan efforts blocked in the House during President Biden’s administration. Johnson drew a connection between current intimidation tactics and historical examples of political threats, particularly those faced by African Americans in the segregated South.

By rejecting federal pressure to engage in immigration enforcement, Johnson emphasized his administration's commitment to protecting vulnerable illegal aliens and avoiding what he considers coercive governance. He contrasted his leadership approach, which centers on advocacy and support, with Trump’s strategy of using threats to enforce policy.

The Biden-Harris administration’s bipartisan border security bill, introduced in the Senate, aimed to address critical issues such as border security, asylum processing, and immigration reform. However, the bill became highly contentious, with significant opposition from both Republicans and Democrats. According to the Washington Examiner, critics argued that the bill did not adequately address key concerns such as border enforcement and instead offered provisions that would expand illegal immigration, such as codifying catch-and-release policies, providing work permits and legal aid to illegal immigrants, and offering de facto amnesty to millions. Additionally, the bill included significant funding for foreign aid to Ukraine, which detracted from its focus on domestic border issues. 

The bill was ultimately killed in the Senate after a motion to proceed was narrowly defeated, with Senate Republicans and Democrats alike rejecting the measure