The Chicago City Council approved on Mar. 19 an ordinance that gives the Civilian Office for Police Accountability new authority to investigate allegations of Chicago police officers assisting immigration agents in violation of the city’s sanctuary city law.
The move is intended to strengthen oversight and maintain trust between law enforcement and immigrant communities, according to city officials. The ordinance passed unanimously after months of debate over which agency should handle such investigations.
“This is a common-sense measure that will maintain the trust that we have built between law enforcement and community, especially our immigrant communities,” Mayor Brandon Johnson said at a press conference following the council meeting.
The issue has become more urgent amid increased federal immigration enforcement efforts, including Operation Midway Blitz, with some residents alleging local police cooperation with federal agents. Superintendent Larry Snelling has denied any violations of the Welcoming City Ordinance by Chicago officers.
Alderman Jessie Fuentes, who introduced the ordinance in September, urged colleagues to support it after a previous delay. Fuentes said Snelling, along with the city’s law department, Office of the Inspector General, and Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability all back the change. “Again, the superintendent supported this a couple months ago, and he doubled down on that support on a phone call right before this vote,” Fuentes said.
Lakenya White, chief administrator of the Civilian Office for Police Accountability, previously stated her agency was prepared to lead these investigations. Alderman Raymond Lopez unsuccessfully attempted to postpone voting on concerns about potential conflicts with other city policies but several alderpeople argued that clarifying investigative responsibility was necessary.
“What this ordinance says today is who is investigating, not what we are investigating,” Fuentes said. Alderman Bill Conway added that it ensures there is a process for verifying compliance with city laws regardless of differing opinions among council members: “The question is: Do we believe in enforcing the laws that are on the books of this city?”
Alderman Andre Vasquez noted that clarity was needed as multiple allegations had arisen regarding police assistance during immigration raids. Alderman Anthony Quezada emphasized: “We want to make sure that when our community says that something wrong happened, we have the tools to investigate. That’s all this is. This is not a political issue.”
White reported her office received 28 complaints about possible Welcoming City Ordinance violations between June and January; most were referred internally or shared with other oversight bodies.
