Chicago Leaders Mobilize Against Trump-Era Immigration Crackdown Plans
Chicago Leaders Mobilize Against Trump-Era Immigration Crackdown Plans
Chicago officials, led by Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, are actively challenging anticipated federal immigration enforcement operations and a potential National Guard deployment attributed to the Trump administration. The pushback comes as federal agents are expected to establish a presence at Naval Station Great Lakes as early as this week, sparking community concern and protests.
On Sunday, a prayer vigil led by parishioners from Waukegan’s United Giving Hope sanctuary took place at Naval Station Great Lakes, located in North Chicago. The vigil aimed to highlight the human impact of large-scale immigration enforcement. Pastor Julie Contreras noted the prevailing fear within the community, with many hesitant to attend due to concerns about being targeted.
Governor Pritzker has vehemently opposed any deployment of the National Guard for immigration enforcement, citing the Posse Comitatus Act as rendering such action illegal. He stated that any such deployment would be met with swift legal action. Meanwhile, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, speaking on ‘Face the Nation’ Sunday, confirmed intentions to bolster resources for ongoing ICE operations in Illinois but declined to provide specific details regarding the impending surge.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has taken a decisive stance, signing the ‘Protecting Chicago Initiative’ executive order. This order explicitly prohibits the Chicago Police Department from assisting federal authorities with civil immigration enforcement, including related patrols, traffic stops, and checkpoints during the anticipated surge. Johnson publicly declared, “We will not be intimidated,” reaffirming the city’s commitment to its immigrant communities.
Simultaneously, an immigrant rights group held a protest outside an ICE staging facility in Broadview, calling for its closure. The group alleges inhumane conditions, including lack of beds and showers for detainees. ICE has previously denied such accusations. While the Trump administration has not officially communicated plans for National Guard troops, North Chicago’s mayor indicated on Friday that approximately 300 federal immigration agents are expected to be deployed to the area.
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