Chicago Mayor Again Defies Trump's Immigration Push: 'Will Not Ever Cooperate With ICE'

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed his opposition to federal immigration enforcement efforts on Tuesday, declaring that the city "will not ever cooperate with ICE."

Speaking at a press conference, Johnson emphasized that Chicago remains committed to its status as a "welcoming city," regardless of increasing pressure from the Trump administration:

"Look, we are welcoming city ordinance. Our local police department will not ever cooperate with ICE, whatever their constitutional authority is. That is obviously relegated to the Trump administration. All of our sister agencies, city departments have been thoroughly briefed by a corporate counsel, and I'll pass it over to her in a second about what they can and cannot do."

Johnson's comments come amid reports that federal immigration authorities, under the renewed direction of former President Donald Trump, may deploy tactical teams to cities including Chicago. The mayor has previously criticized the administration's tactics, describing them as coercive and counter to the Constitution.

Back in April, Johnson sharply criticized threats by the Trump administration to withhold federal funding from cities with sanctuary policies. "Trying to force your will to break the spirit of working people ... that's terrorism," he said. While clarifying he wasn't directly labeling Trump a terrorist, Johnson added, "That is how terrorists behave."

Then in June, Johnson responded to a Trump official's remarks suggesting Chicago could be next for militarized enforcement, stating:

"Whatever is necessary. ... We should all be committed to doing just that. Whether it's in the courts, whether it's in the streets or with policy, we're going to continue to defend and stand up for working people"

The city has already taken several steps to distance itself from federal enforcement. It declined to share records from its CityKey ID program, which serves undocumented residents, and revived its "Know Your Rights" campaign to inform residents about their legal protections.

Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance prohibits local police from cooperating with ICE unless mandated by court order or federal law. Still, concerns have emerged over the Chicago Police Department's past sharing of personal information with federal agencies through Freedom of Information Act requests.

Despite legal and political battles, Johnson maintains that Chicago's commitment is clear: "We do not harbor criminals. We arrest them," he said. "But we will not be a tool for mass deportation."