Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson escalated his confrontation with federal immigration authorities over the weekend, issuing a warning that has quickly drawn national attention and sharp criticism from law enforcement.
The progressive Democrat announced that his administration intends to direct the Chicago Police Department to investigate and potentially seek the arrest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers if he believes they have broken the law while operating in the city.
Johnson formalized the move by signing an executive order instructing CPD to “investigate” alleged misconduct by ICE agents and prepare criminal referrals when appropriate. According to a City Hall press release, the order establishes what officials describe as a framework for public accountability when federal officers are accused of violating local or state laws during enforcement actions in Chicago. Johnson framed the order as a defense of civil liberties, declaring that “nobody is above the law” and rejecting what he called the idea of “absolute immunity” for federal agents.
Mayor Brandon Johnson says he’s going to start PROSECUTING ICE agents for arresting criminal illegal immigrants..
Haven’t seen Democrats this mad since Republicans freed their slaves.. pic.twitter.com/VYWcUJsnjB
— American AF 🇺🇸 (@iAnonPatriot) February 1, 2026
In his statement, the mayor accused ICE of acting unlawfully and endangering city residents, characterizing federal immigration enforcement under President Trump as “militarized” and harmful to public safety.
He claimed ICE officers have violated constitutionally protected rights, including free speech and the right to protest, and said the city would no longer tolerate what he described as intimidation and fear in immigrant communities. Under the order, CPD supervisors are instructed to preserve evidence of alleged misconduct and, at the mayor’s direction, refer felony matters to the Cook County State’s Attorney.
The executive action is not Johnson’s first attempt to limit federal immigration activity. In October, he signed a separate order creating so-called “ICE-free zones,” aimed at obstructing immigration arrests within city limits. Together, the measures represent a direct challenge to federal authority and have intensified an already fraught relationship between Chicago’s city government and immigration enforcement agencies.
🚨 Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson just announced he signed an executive order creating “ICE Free Zones” to ban ICE agents from city property.
This is SICK. He is aiding and abetting criminal illegal immigrant killers, rapists, traffickers, and gang bangers. pic.twitter.com/LaMbxaqePP
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) October 6, 2025
The response from rank-and-file police leadership was swift and dismissive. Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President John Catanzara Jr. derided the order as legally meaningless, calling it a “piece of toilet paper” and accusing the mayor and his legal team of incompetence.
Catanzara pointed out that immigration law includes criminal penalties, countering the administration’s implication that most violations are purely civil matters. He also raised concerns about requiring CPD officers to take reports from civilians—particularly activists—alleging wrongdoing by ICE, warning that such complaints could be politically motivated rather than grounded in fact.
