Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Establishes "ICE-Free Zones" Amid Federal Tensions

On September 29, 2025, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order creating "ICE-free zones" across city-owned properties. This directive prohibits U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from using city-controlled spaces, including parking lots, garages, and vacant lots, for civil immigration enforcement operations. The order aims to protect community trust and uphold Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance, which safeguards residents regardless of their immigration status. Johnson's office noted that recent ICE activities in city lots undermined public confidence and violated local policies.

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Johnson characterized ICE agents as a "rogue, reckless group of heavily armed, masked individuals" whose presence poses risks to Chicagoans. He emphasized that public spaces, such as schools, libraries, and parks, should be reserved for community use rather than federal enforcement actions. The order allows private businesses to voluntarily opt into this protection network, reinforcing the city's commitment to civil rights and due process. Johnson stated, "If Congress will not check this administration, then Chicago will."

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The executive order has drawn sharp criticism from the White House. The administration's Rapid Response 47 account labeled Johnson's actions as "sick," accusing him of "aiding and abetting criminal illegal immigrant killers, rapists, traffickers, and gang bangers." This backlash coincides with President Donald Trump's announcement to deploy up to 400 Texas National Guard troops to Chicago, a move that Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned as "Trump's invasion." Pritzker has refused to request assistance from the National Guard, warning that such a request could lead to federalization.

Newsweek

Johnson's order escalates tensions between local and federal authorities, reflecting a national debate over immigration enforcement and sanctuary policies. The directive may inspire similar actions in other sanctuary cities, as local leaders seek to assert their authority against federal immigration enforcement. Legal challenges to both the executive order and the National Guard deployment are anticipated, potentially leading to a constitutional showdown over immigration enforcement and federal authority.

Newsweek

• “Our school parking lots are not for ICE to load their weapons. They are for Chicago, who drop their kids off to learn,” — Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

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• “This is SICK. He is aiding and abetting criminal illegal immigrant killers, rapists, traffickers, and gang bangers.” — Rapid Response 47, White House

Newsweek

• “ Governor JB Pritzker: "We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s Invasion.” — J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

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As tensions rise, Johnson is expected to hold a media briefing alongside Governor Pritzker to discuss the implications of the executive order and the National Guard deployment. Legal actions are likely to unfold as city and state officials prepare for potential challenges to both the order and the federal troop presence in Chicago.

Newsweek