The Chicago Police Department stated that it will not provide assistance in anticipated deportations carried out by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Chicago, in response to President Trump’s plans to implement extensive border security measures nationwide.
Upon his return to the White House, President Trump outlined his strategies during his inauguration speech, addressing issues related to unlawful immigration and a vulnerable border.
“To start, I intend to announce a state of national emergency at the southern border. All unauthorized entries will be stopped immediately, and we will commence the procedure of repatriating numerous criminal immigrants to their countries of origin,” Trump declared. He also mentioned his intentions to discontinue the practice of catch and release, as well as deploy military forces to the southern border to deter what he described as a “destructive incursion into our nation.” “Through the utilization of the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, I will instruct our administration to leverage the full authority of federal and state law enforcement to eradicate the presence of foreign gangs and criminal syndicates, which are responsible for severe criminal activities on U.S. territory, including urban areas and inner cities.”
But despite President Trump’s vow to remove dangerous illegal immigrants and send them back to their countries, Chicago officials took a vow of their own to not comply.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson vowed to not assist federal agencies with immigration enforcement. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
“Chicago stands strong: regardless of the circumstances, our commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains unwavering,” Johnson wrote in a social media post. “We will continue to fight for the justice and safety of all who call this place home.”
Tens of thousands of illegal immigrants are residing in Chicago, despite residents pleading with city officials about how there are not enough resources to provide for them. More than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the city since August 2022, according to previous reports from Fox 32 Chicago, and thousands are in shelters.
Sheltering migrants has drawn ire from residents after it has reportedly cost the city $574.5 million since August 2022. At a previous city council meeting on December 3rd, residents objected to an approximately $60 million property tax increase that was proposed to help officials overcome a $1 billion budget shortfall by the end of last year.
Fox News Digital’s Joshua Q. Nelson contributed to this report.
