Chicago’s mayor just ordered city police to investigate and potentially prosecute federal ICE agents for alleged state law violations, marking the first time any major U.S. city has formally weaponized local law enforcement against immigration authorities doing their job.
Story Snapshot
- Mayor Brandon Johnson signed “ICE On Notice” executive order on January 31, 2026, directing Chicago Police to investigate federal immigration agents for alleged state or local law violations
- The order requires CPD to preserve body-camera footage and forward evidence to prosecutors, with Chicago claiming to be the first major city to target ICE agents this way
- DHS reports Illinois has released 1,768 criminal noncitizens despite ICE detainers, linked to 5 homicides and 141 assaults, undermining public safety
- The Fraternal Order of Police opposes the order as “political bluster” creating dangerous legal jeopardy for officers caught between local politics and federal law
Chicago’s Unprecedented Attack on Federal Immigration Enforcement
Mayor Brandon Johnson signed the “ICE On Notice” executive order Saturday morning at City Hall, directing Chicago Police Department personnel to investigate and document alleged violations of state or local law by federal immigration agents. The order requires officers to preserve body-camera footage and share evidence with the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for potential felony prosecutions. Chicago claims this unprecedented directive makes it the first major U.S. city to formally use local police authority to monitor and potentially prosecute federal agents. The order notably does not authorize CPD to arrest federal agents but mandates documentation of alleged misconduct for later prosecution.
Sanctuary Policies Shield Criminals While Targeting Law Enforcement
The Department of Homeland Security responded Saturday evening with data exposing the consequences of Illinois’ sanctuary policies. DHS reports that Illinois released 1,768 criminal noncitizens despite ICE detainers, with these individuals linked to serious crimes including 5 homicides and 141 assaults. The department maintains that 4,015 detained aliens face serious charges, contradicting Johnson’s narrative about “rogue” federal agents. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin flatly rejected the mayor’s claims as “FALSE,” emphasizing ICE’s professionalism. This data reveals how sanctuary policies prioritize shielding illegal aliens over protecting American citizens from preventable crimes committed by individuals who should have been deported.
Federal Supremacy Versus Local Political Theater
The order claims to respond to recent shootings involving federal agents, citing incidents in Chicago, Franklin Park, and Minneapolis. However, no independent verification confirms federal agent involvement in these cases, raising questions about the factual basis for this sweeping directive. Mayor’s counsel Sheila Bedi argues federal agents can be held accountable for non-federal crimes, but this ignores longstanding federal supremacy doctrine that protects federal officers performing their duties. The Fraternal Order of Police called the order “political bluster” that creates “legal jeopardy” for Chicago officers forced to choose between following federal law and satisfying local politicians. CPD has 30 days to develop implementation policies, setting up inevitable legal challenges.
Constitutional Conflict and Long-Term Implications
This executive order represents a dangerous escalation in sanctuary city defiance against constitutional federal immigration authority. By directing local police to investigate federal agents enforcing immigration law, Johnson creates direct conflict with the Supremacy Clause and federal law enforcement prerogatives. The order fundamentally misunderstands federal officers’ legal protections when executing their official duties. It also undermines cooperation between local and federal law enforcement crucial for public safety. If other progressive cities follow Chicago’s lead, the result will be further erosion of immigration enforcement and increased danger to communities nationwide. President Trump’s administration will likely challenge this overreach, but the order demonstrates how far leftist mayors will go to obstruct legitimate immigration enforcement and protect illegal aliens over American citizens.
Sources:
Mayor Johnson Signs Executive Order Designed to Lay Groundwork to Prosecute Federal Agents
Chicago City Clerk Executive Orders
