Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued an executive order directing city police to investigate and document alleged crimes by federal immigration agents operating in the city. The order, called “ICE On Notice,” establishes a process for Chicago police to identify, investigate, and refer for prosecution any violations of state or local law by federal agents.
The move follows reports of misconduct during the federal government’s Operation Midway Blitz, as well as incidents in Minneapolis where federal agents fatally shot Renee Good and Alex Pretti, prompting protests and calls for accountability. Mayor Johnson addressed these concerns at a press conference.
“Nobody is above the law,” Johnson said in a statement. “The lawlessness of Trump’s militarized immigration agents puts the lives and well-being of every Chicagoan in immediate danger. … Chicago will not sit idly by while Trump floods federal agents into our communities and terrorizes our residents.”
Under the new policy, police present at scenes involving federal immigration activity are required to document any suspected illegal acts by agents and file reports. The evidence would then be referred to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for possible prosecution under the direction of the Mayor’s Office.
However, Johnson clarified that Chicago police would not arrest immigration agents charged locally, leaving uncertainty about how prosecutions would proceed.
Johnson stated that his office collaborated with State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke on crafting the order. Burke disputed this on social media, stating her office did not receive or review the executive order until it was made public. “We do not provide legal approval of any matter until we’ve reviewed it,” Burke said in a statement. “On such a critical issue, it’s important we get it right.” The Mayor’s Office responded online that Burke’s chief of policy had reviewed the language of the order.
Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner voiced support for Johnson’s action: “I applaud Mayor Brandon Johnson’s bold and principled leadership in building the infrastructure to hold ICE and [Border Patrol] agents accountable for criminal misconduct. He has stepped forward at a critical moment to defend his residents, protect local authority, and insist that federal power be exercised within the bounds of the law.”
Calls for increased oversight follow recent findings from Minnesota where a federal judge cited 96 violations of court orders by federal agents in January alone.
In Chicago last year, incidents involving immigration enforcement included fatalities and injuries during confrontations with residents as well as accusations that officers assisted immigration agents contrary to sanctuary laws.
Mayor Johnson described his executive order as “a step toward justice” which could apply retroactively if officers are found to have acted illegally.
The Chicago Police Department will work with the city’s immigrant rights office to develop procedures within 30 days to implement requirements set out in this new policy.
