Chicago City Wire

The city of Chicago is currently embroiled in a significant conflict with the federal government over immigration enforcement. This situation has escalated as members of the Chicago City Council, led by Mayor Brandon Johnson, have taken a stand against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.

The conflict reached a critical point at an ICE office on South Michigan Avenue. The location typically provides alternatives to detention for migrants through the Intensive Supervision Appearance Program (ISAP). However, when Yolanda Chavez, a Honduran national involved in asylum proceedings, failed to reappear after a routine check-in, activists gathered outside the building. Three aldermen—Anthony Quezada (35), Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25), and Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33)—joined the protestors and physically blocked federal agents from executing lawful arrests.

"This is the Gestapo," Sigcho-Lopez remarked to the Tribune amid allegations that he was pushed during the confrontation. He described it as "a really sad day for the city."

This incident highlights broader tensions between local officials and federal authorities. While ICE has not disclosed how many individuals were detained that day, community groups estimate more than ten people were affected.

U.S. Rep. Delia Ramirez criticized ICE's actions, accusing them of "weaponizing hope" by enforcing immigration laws strictly.

Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned what he termed an "assault" by ICE on elected officials: “Federal agents should never be allowed to come into our city and assault elected officials or any Chicagoan,” he stated.

The situation underscores ongoing disputes regarding sanctuary policies and their implications for both new arrivals and long-standing residents of Chicago.