Brandon Johnson Mayor | Chicago Contrarian
Brandon Johnson Mayor | Chicago Contrarian
Donald Trump announced efforts to withdraw federal support from sanctuary cities like Chicago, branding them as “Death Traps.”
In response, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s spokesperson, Cassio Mendoza, said that the city complies with all federal and state laws, despite having sanctuary policies that limit federal cooperation on immigration.
The potential funding shortfall is substantial. Federal funds in Johnson’s 2025 budget amount to $2.72 billion. Chicago Public Schools could lose $1.3 billion, and the CTA’s Red Line Extension might forfeit $1.9 billion.
“We’re gonna sue... We’re not going to be intimidated,” Johnson said in response.
However, later clarification suggested no specific legal moves were planned. Previously, Johnson championed Chicago’s sanctuary stance as one of “compassion” and “public safety.” Yet, critics argue this approach has exacerbated issues related to crime and resource allocation within the city.
The Trump administration is not only challenging local policies but is suing Johnson alongside Governor Pritzker and Toni Preckwinkle specifically over limiting police cooperation with deportations. The legal atmosphere now leans conservative in the judiciary, potentially favoring Trump’s case where past efforts failed.
Preckwinkle spoke against Trump’s actions, labeling them “assaults” on diverse communities. However, critics suggest that Chicago’s sanctuary policies place undocumented migrants at an advantage over legal residents.
Public dissatisfaction is growing as neighborhoods reportedly suffer from negligence in favor of migrant services, contradicting Johnson’s electoral promises. Representative James Comer invited Pritzker to discuss Illinois' sanctuary policies, accusing the state of obstructing federal enforcement.
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