Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the city will expand its sanctuary policies by designating certain areas as “ICE-free zones,” reaffirming Chicago’s long-standing position of limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Speaking at a press event, Johnson said the move is intended to protect migrant families and maintain Chicago’s identity as a sanctuary city.
The announcement quickly drew criticism from opponents who argue that local governments do not have the legal authority to restrict federal agencies from carrying out immigration enforcement. Immigration policy is governed at the federal level, and while cities can set their own priorities for local law enforcement, they cannot override federal law or prevent federal officers from operating within city limits.
The policy rollout comes as Chicago continues to grapple with serious public safety challenges. Over a recent weekend, police reported dozens of shootings across the city, including multiple fatalities. These incidents have renewed concerns among residents about violent crime and the effectiveness of current public safety strategies.
Critics say the timing of the mayor’s announcement risks diverting attention from pressing crime issues, while supporters argue that immigration enforcement and local violence are separate matters. Johnson has previously criticized traditional policing models, even as his administration has highlighted police efforts to remove illegal firearms from the streets, drawing mixed reactions from the public.
Federal officials have indicated that immigration enforcement will continue regardless of local declarations, noting that ICE agents operate under federal authority. As the debate continues, Chicago’s “ICE-free zones” policy has become part of a broader national discussion over sanctuary cities, federalism, and how local leaders balance immigration policy with public safety concerns.