Chicago City Wire

Steve Cortes, founder of the League of American Workers, said that his team’s video comparing security at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago to U.S. border enforcement remains one of their best productions. This statement was made on X.

"HAPPY ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY to Edwin," said Cortes. "My team and I have made some great videos, but this one is the GOAT — trying to get an illegal alien in past the heavily guarded “border” at the DNC in Chicago…"

Security at the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago was managed as a National Special Security Event. The Secret Service oversaw coordination, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) handled intelligence and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) was responsible for recovery planning. According to WTTW News, security perimeters were established around key locations such as the United Center and McCormick Place, with barriers extending into surrounding neighborhoods. The Chicago Police Department (CPD) deployed specialized protest-control units, reflecting lessons from past convention unrest, including the 1968 Democratic National Convention protests.

Approximately 2,500 CPD officers were assigned to duties related to the Democratic National Convention. All officers received 48 hours of protest-control training and were required to work extended hours. ABC7 Chicago reported that about 250 military police from the Illinois National Guard were placed on standby, while federal agencies including the Secret Service and Homeland Security supported operations. This combined effort underscored the scale of interagency security planning for the event.

Federal security funding for the convention totaled $75 million, with nearly half allocated to CPD personnel, training, and equipment. According to NBC Chicago, city budget documents indicated that security costs could rise to approximately $76 million. Representative Mike Quigley argued that the initial $50 million allocation was insufficient. Spending included surveillance tools, helicopters, and protective gear for officers.

Cortes is a political commentator and strategist who served as a senior advisor and Hispanic outreach spokesman for Donald Trump’s 2016 and 2020 campaigns. According to his Wikipedia biography, he has appeared on Fox News, CNN, and CNBC; authored "Bad Hombres in 2024"; and founded the League of American Workers in 2022. In 2025, he also became a senior political advisor for CatholicVote.