Mayor Brandon Johnson Stands With Congressional Leaders, Meets With Residents About Ongoing ICE Raids

CHICAGO - In case you missed it, today Mayor Brandon Johnson reaffirmed Chicago's commitment to protecting immigrant communities, joining Democratic Congressional leaders led by U.S. Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-17) for a shadow immigration hearing detailing the damage militarized federal immigration enforcement has done in communities across Chicago. Following the hearing, Mayor Johnson met with residents and small business owners in Brighton Park who have been negatively impacted by ICE operations while handing out 'ICE Free Zone' signs.

Meanwhile, ICE again deployed tear gasin a residential area in Lakeview while an elementary school in Wicker Park was forced into lock downdue to ICE activity.

"The Trump administration is trying to intimidate working people and immigrants and anyone who believes in democracy and justice," said Mayor Brandon Johnsonfollowing the shadow hearing. "Chicago will not be silent. We will not bend, we will not cower, and we will certainly not break. Chicago is and always will be a city that believes in democracy and justice, a city that wholeheartedly embraces diversity and our immigrant communities around the globe."

View Mayor Johnson's full remarks here.

Full Q&A following the hearing can be viewed here. Photos from the press conference are available here.

In Brighton Park, Mayor Johnson met with residents on the street and visited businesses where he emphasized the City stands with immigrant communities and will not tolerate racial profiling, harassment, or fear-based tactics from the federal government.

Joined by Alderwoman Julia Ramirez (12th), Mayor Johnson spoke with neighborhood leaders and representatives from the Southwest Side Rapid Response Team to better understand the impact federal enforcement is having in communities that have become particular targets of the Trump administration.

As ICE raids have intensified in the area, foot traffic near local businesses has fallen leading to a drop in customers and newfound economic uncertainty. Mayor Johnson engaged directly with business owners, reaffirming the City's commitment to mitigating the impacts of federal enforcement, while distributing 'ICE Free Zone' which clearly detail the operational restrictions imposed on ICE via Mayoral executive order.

Photos from the Mayor's Brighton Park visit are available here.

Today's events in Lakeview and Lincoln Parkare the latest example of federal agents exceeding their jurisdictional authority and terrorizing communities across Chicago. These repeated attempts to invoke fear among Chicagoans come as WGN-TV reportedthis week that 71% of those currently in ICE detention have no history of a criminal conviction.

The Johnson administration is continuing to monitor federal immigration enforcement activity in Chicago. Know Your Rights materials and other community preparedness resources are available at Chicago.gov/protect. Official 'ICE Free Zone' signs are available for pick-up at City Hall in the City Clerk's Office.

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