Chicago official criticizes Brandon Johnson's new ICE guidelines: 'Who is the mayor trying to safeguard?'

Officials in Chicago criticized Mayor Brandon Johnson for introducing new immigration policies prior to President-elect Trump's inauguration.

On Friday, Johnson issued guidelines for managing ICE visits on city property, while emphasizing his administration's dedication to the welcoming city ordinance.

The mayor's office assured the city that it would adhere to the 2017 Illinois Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement, in anticipation of a change in federal administration.

Johnson's guidelines advise that if ICE enters city property, I should contact my agency or department's designated attorney or general counsel for further guidance. Additionally, I should contact the highest ranking official or designated supervisor onsite and wait for their arrival before taking any action.

Instead of consenting to ICE entering any private or "sensitive" locations, it is recommended to demand copies of warrants. However, it is important not to interfere with any search, even if refused. It is also advised to take notes and keep contemporaneous written records.

The mayor's office stated that the Mayor and Corporation Counsel are in touch with department heads regarding guidelines to maintain Chicago as a welcoming city for all residents.

Johnson's efforts were criticized by Alderman Ray Lopez of the 15th Ward, according to FOX 32 Chicago.

Lopez stated that he was surprised by the mayor's effort to stop what he and Ald. Tabares wanted to do, which was to remove a small number of individuals who committed crimes in the City of Chicago.

He went on to say,

Lopez and Alderman Tabares of the 23rd Ward proposed an amendment to the Welcoming City Ordinance, which would allow local agencies to work with ICE to target undocumented individuals who have been "arrested for, or convicted of certain crimes," according to FOX 32.

Lopez stated that the narrative being spread by the mayor and his allies is not accurate, as they are not attempting to remove everyone.

The arrests must be categorized as one of four types: gang-related activity, drug-related activity, prostitution and human trafficking, or sex crimes involving minors.

The city council will vote on the legislation on Wednesday.

Lopez elaborated that the Trump administration will concentrate on undocumented individuals and those with Temporary Protected Status who possess a criminal history and pose a threat.

"Congress is moving in that direction, in a bipartisan manner. Why not join them in this effort? It raises the question, who is the mayor trying to protect and why is he so determined to protect criminals in the City of Chicago," he said.

Trump's border czar nominee, Tom Homan, vowed to enforce immigration laws strictly in Chicago while criticizing Illinois politicians.

At a GOP holiday party last month, Homan outlined his strategy, pledging to confirm the whereabouts of asylum seekers and apprehend anyone offering refuge to undocumented immigrants.

Johnson would face prosecution if he hinders ICE's efforts to deport large numbers of people, as Homan cautioned.

Chicago officials declined to comment on Planet Chronicle Digital's request.