In a move to protect residents from potential militarized activity by the federal government, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order known as the Protecting Chicago Initiative.
This decision comes amid credible reports that Chicago could see militarized activity within days, possibly involving National Guard troops or active-duty military personnel.
According to Johnson, the order aims to safeguard Chicagoans from the “threats and actions of this out-of-control administration”.
The executive order directs Chicago law enforcement officers not to collaborate with US military personnel on patrols or during immigration enforcement activities.
Johnson described this move as “the most sweeping campaign of any city in the country to protect ourselves from the threats and actions of this out-of-control administration”.
This development follows President Donald Trump’s consideration to expand his National Guard troop deployment from Washington, DC, to other major cities across the country, citing the need to address crime.
However, data from the Metropolitan Police Department showed that violent crime in Washington, DC, was already at a 30-year low, raising concerns that the crackdown could be a test run for broader militarization of US cities.
Top Democrat Hakeem Jeffries criticized Trump’s plan, stating that he has “no authority” to send federal troops to Chicago, as the US Constitution gives the power of policing to the states.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker also rejected the idea, accusing Trump of attempting to manufacture a crisis and politicize Americans who serve in uniform.
“Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he is causing working families,” Pritzker said in a statement.
Reports suggest that the Trump administration is preparing to carry out a “major immigration enforcement operation” in Chicago as early as next week, separate from Trump’s idea of sending National Guard troops for a broader crackdown on crime.
Trump’s hardline, anti-immigration agenda has been a hallmark of his presidency, with his administration pledging to carry out the “largest deportation operation” in US history.
The administration claims to be targeting “criminals” who are in the US illegally, but media reports have shown that many people have been swept up in immigration raids, including American citizens and permanent residents with no criminal records.
Johnson emphasized that Chicago does not want its residents rounded up off the streets, stating, “We do not want to see families ripped apart.
We do not want grandmothers thrown into the backs of unmarked vans. We don’t want to see homeless Chicagoans harassed or disappeared by federal agents.”
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson criticized Johnson’s executive order, saying that “cracking down on crime should not be a partisan issue”.
She added that Democrats should focus on fixing crime in their own cities instead of criticizing the President. Johnson remains uncertain about Trump’s next steps, encouraging him to change his mind and reverse course.