Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's Executive Order Targets Federal Immigration Agents

On January 31, 2026, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order titled "ICE On Notice," which directs the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to investigate and document alleged illegal activities by federal immigration agents. This order is positioned as a response to recent federal operations that have reportedly violated constitutional rights and provoked violent confrontations within communities. Johnson asserts that this makes Chicago the first city in the nation to pursue legal accountability for misconduct by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) agents.

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The executive order mandates that CPD personnel must:

Johnson signs order directing CPD to investigate federal immigration agents' alleged misconduct

• Document federal enforcement activities in accordance with CPD policy.

Mayor Johnson signs executive order targeting "rogue" immigration officers

• Preserve body-camera footage of any incidents involving federal agents, including use of force or detentions.

Johnson signs order directing CPD to investigate federal immigration agents' alleged misconduct

• Identify and record the names and badge numbers of federal supervisory officers present during such incidents.

Chicago mayor orders CPD to document illegal activity by immigration agents

• Complete reports on any violations of state or local law by federal agents.

Johnson signs order directing CPD to investigate federal immigration agents' alleged misconduct

• Summon emergency medical services for any injured individuals on the scene.

Mayor Johnson signs executive order targeting "rogue" immigration officers

Evidence of alleged felony violations will be referred to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for potential prosecution.

Mayor Johnson signs executive order targeting "rogue" immigration officers

Johnson's order comes amid heightened tensions surrounding federal immigration operations, particularly following incidents where federal agents were involved in shootings, including the deaths of individuals in Minnesota. The mayor emphasized the need for local accountability, stating, “Nobody is above the law. There is no such thing as 'absolute immunity' in America.” He expressed that the actions of federal agents under the Trump administration have endangered Chicago residents.

Chicago mayor orders CPD to document illegal activity by immigration agents

During the signing ceremony, Johnson stated, “The lawlessness of Trump’s militarized immigration agents puts the lives and well-being of every Chicagoan in immediate danger.” He clarified that the order would not create conflict between local and federal law enforcement, asserting, “Our local law enforcement will not be placing handcuffs on another law enforcement agency.”

Chicago mayor orders CPD to document illegal activity by immigration agents

However, Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke later indicated that her office had not reviewed the executive order prior to its announcement, emphasizing the importance of thorough legal review on such critical issues.

Mayor Johnson Signs Executive Order Designed to Lay ‘Groundwork’ to Prosecute Federal Agents for Actions During Immigration Raids

Critics of Johnson's order argue that it is largely symbolic and lacks substantive enforcement power. Some commentators have described the initiative as a "meaningless gesture," suggesting that it merely directs CPD to document incidents without the authority to arrest federal officers. They contend that the order does not provide a realistic framework for prosecuting federal agents, as local law enforcement typically cannot charge federal officials for actions taken during their official duties.

Johnson signs order directing CPD to investigate federal immigration agents' alleged misconduct

As federal immigration operations are expected to intensify in Chicago in the coming months, Johnson's administration plans to implement the order within 30 days, developing specific policies for CPD to follow. The mayor aims to position Chicago as a model for other cities in resisting federal overreach and ensuring local accountability in immigration enforcement.

Mayor Johnson signs executive order targeting "rogue" immigration officers

• “with today’s order, we are putting ICE on notice in our city. Chicago will not sit idly by while Trump floods federal agents into our communities and terrorizes our residents.” — Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

The Windy City: Chicago Mayor Johnson Puts “ICE on Notice” … of Meaningless Gesture

• “The Mayor said “this executive order makes Chicago the first city in the country to set the groundwork to prosecute ICE and Border patrol agents for criminal misconduct.” — Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

Mayor Johnson signs executive order targeting "rogue" immigration officers

• “I applaud Mayor Brandon Johnson’s bold and principled leadership in building the infrastructure to hold ICE and CBP agents accountable for criminal misconduct,” — Larry Krasner, District Attorney of Philadelphia

Mayor Johnson signs executive order targeting "rogue" immigration officers