Chicago Mayor Fights Back Against Trump - Signs Order to Resist Trump Immigration Crackdown
In a time where most politicians, domestically and internationally, are bending a knee to Trump, Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago is standing firm for his city and constituents against his bullying tactics. A rare, but beautiful sight to see.
Johnson has officially signed the “Protecting Chicago Initiative”, an executive order detailing how the city will resist the looming immigration crackdown Trump has been threatening to do. The order, one of the first of its kind, directs city agencies on the protocol they must follow in response to immigration enforcement tactics.
This is important and timely as Trump just posted on social media, “I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again, and soon."
The people of Chicago rallied against these developments in the streets of Fulton Market and the West Loop on Monday, during the Labor Day holiday, to protest the presence of federal officers in their neighborhoods.
The order demands that Trump and federal agencies “stand down from any attempts to deploy the US Armed Forces” in the city and also restates a slew of existing city policies, including the requirement for law enforcement officers to wear body cameras and display identification information, as well as a ban on wearing masks/body identification covering.
This is highly significant because across the nation, ICE officers and other law enforcement agencies helping with mass deportation tactics have been covering their faces and not wearing their name badges to conceal their identity.
Johnson stated that city officials would also assist residents in understanding their rights if they encounter immigration enforcement, while prohibiting local officers from participating in joint operations with federal agents.
This is all extremely important because more than one in five residents in Chicago are immigrants, and more than half of them come from Latin American countries. The number of undocumented immigrants living in the city is unclear, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they make up a large portion of the city's immigrant population.
Trump argues that America’s third-largest city (Chicago) is “a killing field”, pointing out that the crime in the city constitutes an emergency. Chicago’s overall crime rates, particularly homicides, have declined. Reports from late 2024 to early 2025 indicate a decline in murder rates and auto thefts as well. Many argue that Trump is targeting liberal metropolitan cities across the nation that stand up to him and his tyranny (like Boston or Oakland), and I’d have to agree.
Local media is reporting that a surge of immigration agents could start as soon as Tuesday in Chicago. Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago is preparing to be the base of operations for more ICE agents. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem did not share specific details, but confirmed the plan to ramp up immigration enforcement in Illinois.
Mayor Johnson said:
We're gonna defend our democracy in the city of Chicago… we're gonna protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago.
While Johnson has admitted that he can’t stop the federal immigration operations, he has doubled down on the state and city’s sanctuary policies.
In a political climate increasingly marked by authoritarian rhetoric fueled by fear, Mayor Brandon Johnson’s heroic stance shows us a powerful reminder that local leadership still has the ability and the responsibility to defend human rights.
“Protecting Chicago Initiative” sends the nation a clear message: Chicago will not be complicit in federal overreach or the dehumanization of immigrant communities.
The road ahead remains uncertain, especially with the looming crackdowns, but the city’s commitment to sanctuary, transparency, and, most importantly, justice stands firm.
In the face of ever-rising pressure, Chicago is choosing courage over compliance, setting an example for mayors across the country to support and follow.
Mayor Johnson, just have your governor post the comparative analysis of crime rates in your state compared to those "other" states. I've seen the numbers and the smoke and mirrors game of this administration will be put to shame.