The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability delayed a vote on Mar. 27 to recommend that the Office of the Inspector General review whether Chicago police have followed the city’s Sanctuary City rules, after not enough commissioners attended its meeting at George Washington High School.
The potential audit comes amid ongoing concerns from some residents who allege that local police may have assisted federal immigration agents, possibly violating the Welcoming City Ordinance. Police leaders have denied these claims. The commission’s consideration reflects continued debate over accountability and oversight in how Chicago police interact with federal immigration authorities.
President Remel Terry said four commissioners—Vice President Angel Rubi Navarijo and commissioners Anthony Driver, Abierre Minor, and Sandra Wortham—were unable to attend due to “varying issues,” preventing a quorum. “What we’re requesting is just for them to review. What they’re going to produce, we cannot say,” Terry told Block Club after the meeting. Without a quorum, no official vote could take place, but those present still provided updates.
Several attendees at the meeting urged an independent review of whether police are following city policy regarding interactions with federal immigration officials. Organizer Kayla Hoang Thuong said, “A failure to have quorum today and to push back this key vote to have meaningful action is unacceptable.”
It remains unclear what scope any inspector general audit might cover or if such a review will be conducted even if recommended by the commission; Terry noted that the commission has “no authority” over what actions the Office of Inspector General undertakes.
Recent reports from both police and inspector general’s offices reportedly do not mention investigations into possible violations of sanctuary policies. According to current procedures outlined in city ordinance, Chicago Police must submit quarterly compliance reports detailing requests for assistance with civil immigration law enforcement or related detainers received.
Disagreement persists among community members about whether these reports reflect actual events on the ground during operations like last fall’s Operation Midway Blitz.
Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has denied any violation of sanctuary ordinances by officers; Mayor Brandon Johnson has sometimes defended departmental conduct as well.
Looking ahead, the commission will host a public hearing with Superintendent Snelling on April 2 at Kelly High School regarding department protocols for working with federal agents. Another monthly meeting is scheduled for April 30 where—if attendance allows—the postponed vote may occur.
