Chicago City Wire

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's sanctuary policies, labeling them ineffective following an assault and rape incident involving an alleged illegal alien. The announcement was made on the social media platform X.

According to Time, the incident has sparked significant outrage after Mayor Johnson responded with "Let's move on." This event has reignited debate over Chicago's sanctuary policies, which restrict cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Critics argue that these restrictions prevent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from removing dangerous offenders before they reoffend, while supporters claim they protect immigrants from discrimination. DHS said that the case highlights the "real public safety consequences" of shielding criminal noncitizens.

Federal enforcement statistics indicate that ICE frequently encounters resistance when seeking custody transfers in sanctuary cities. In 2023, ICE reported over 14,000 declined detainers nationwide, including several in Cook County. DHS officials point to these figures as evidence that sanctuary jurisdictions obstruct efforts to deport offenders, thereby increasing risks to residents. They cite Chicago’s recent assault case as an example of what can occur when federal-local coordination breaks down.

Axios reports that Chicago's migrant population has surged amid strained local resources and controversial enforcement stances. City data reveals that more than 50,000 migrants have arrived since 2022, leading to budget reallocations exceeding $220 million. Officials have warned that limited coordination with federal agencies complicates efforts to screen new arrivals and ensure criminal histories are flagged before placement in shelters or public facilities.

The Department of Homeland Security was established in 2003 under the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to safeguard the United States from terrorism, illegal immigration, and other national threats. Based in Washington, D.C., DHS oversees agencies including ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement), CBP (Customs and Border Protection), TSA (Transportation Security Administration), and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency), employing more than 260,000 personnel.