Chicago residents are expressing frustration with Mayor Brandon Johnson's commitment to protect the city's undocumented immigrant population from a federal immigration crackdown, citing concerns about community safety and strained resources.
This comes as border czar Tom Homan announced that Chicago would be “ground zero“For immigration enforcement during the era of President Donald Trump’s mass deportation plans.
Mayor Johnson doubled down on his opposition, pledging to support Chicago's sanctuary city policies.
“I find it unconscionable that this administration would attempt to create not only division but fear within our public schools,” Johnson said, referring to potential federal raids. He directed city departments to “stand firm and support the local ordinance,” according to Illinois Trust Lawwhich prohibits local law enforcement from assisting federal immigration enforcement efforts.
However, many residents feel the city's priorities are misplaced. P Rae Easley, a Chicago native and group member of the “Black Excellence Hour,” expressed her concerns during a recent appearance.Fox & Friends first,” Thursday.
“We understand that we are in the middle of an invasion,” Easley said. “Everyone who came across this border came with a bill on their back for Chicago taxpayers.”
The financial burden was a flash point for residents. Last December, the city faced backlash over spending more than half a billion dollars to shelter migrants through Newcomers mission. The program became a hot topic at community meetings after Johnson revealed a $1 billion budget shortfall.
“It's amazing what we can do with this budget,” one resident said during a public meeting. “Let's start by cutting off the illegals who get free everything, free housing, free education, free food.”
The reaction comes as federal authorities step up enforcement. During the Trump presidency, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested more than 460 individuals in the first days of Immigration sweeptargeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. The crimes included sexual assault, domestic violence and weapons offences.
Easley supports these measures, saying they are necessary for the safety of the community.
“No one else protects against federal crimes, nor do they,” she said. “We need everyone back where they belong so we can reallocate our tax funds to the citizens of the city.”
A group of residents disrupt a press conference as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson introduces six of his nominees to the Chicago Board of Education on Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
In response to Johnson City's sanctuary city stance, the Trump administration ordered federal prosecutors to investigate state and local officials who obstruct deportation efforts. Acting Deputy Prosecutor Emil Bove, in A note Obtained by Fox News, it has been cited by cartels and transnational criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua as one of the “most dangerous threats facing the American people.”
Despite the criticism, Johnson remains steadfast, insisting that protecting immigrants is consistent with the city's values. “Chicago stands strong: No matter the circumstances, our commitment to protecting and supporting this city remains steadfast,” Johnson wrote on Xformerly Twitter.
But residents like Easley say the city's priorities are out of balance.
“We need the federal government here,” she said. “I don't think it's fair that we have to pay federal income taxes, and we're not allowed to get federal aid because our mayor has a political goal that doesn't align with the people.”
President Trump has criticized sanctuary cities, including Chicago, for resisting federal immigration policies. “We're trying to get rid of them (sanctuary cities). We're trying to end them. And a lot of people in those communities don't want them,” Trump told Sean Hannity on Wednesday.
Lawmakers are also moving to support Trump's immigration agenda. This week, the house agreed to Laken Riley ActWhich mandates the detention of undocumented immigrants accused of theft or violent crimes. The bill is named after a Georgia nursing student who was killed by a Venezuelan man in the country illegally.
For Easley and others in Chicago, the way forward is clear. “We care more about the children of Chicago than we do the children of the Raiders,” she said.
