Chicago PD says it ‘will not assist’ with upcoming ICE Deportations

The Chicago Police Department announced on Monday that they will not be assisting with upcoming deportations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the city. This decision comes as President Trump has promised to implement stricter border security measures nationwide.
President Trump, in his inauguration speech, outlined his plans to address the issue of illegal immigration and strengthen border security. He vowed to declare a national emergency at the southern border, halt all illegal entry, and begin the process of deporting millions of criminal aliens back to their home countries. Additionally, he pledged to end the practice of catch and release and deploy troops to repel what he referred to as an “invasion” of the country.
Despite President Trump’s promises, Chicago officials have made it clear that they will not comply with his immigration policies. The Chicago Police Department cited municipal code legislation that prohibits them from assisting federal immigration authorities based on immigration status. They do not document immigration status or share this information with federal agencies.
According to city ordinance, a supervisor must respond to the scene if an immigration agency requests assistance with a civil immigration enforcement operation. If the request is related to civil immigration law enforcement, the supervisor will decline the request. However, if it is unrelated to civil immigration law, appropriate police action will be taken.
The Chicago Police Department emphasized that they will not assist or intervene in civil immigration enforcement, in accordance with the city’s municipal code. They will continue to enforce the law if a crime occurs, regardless of the individuals’ citizenship status.
This announcement follows Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s reaffirmation of the city’s commitment to opposing President Trump’s immigration reform. The mayor’s office stated that Chicago will continue to comply with the 2017 Illinois Trust Act, which prohibits local law enforcement from participating in federal immigration enforcement.
Despite the city’s stance, Chicago residents have expressed concerns about the financial strain of sheltering thousands of illegal immigrants. Reports indicate that more than 20,000 migrants have arrived in the city since August 2022, with thousands currently residing in shelters. The cost of sheltering migrants has reportedly reached $574.5 million since August 2022, sparking objections from residents.
In a previous city council meeting, residents protested against a proposed $60 million property tax increase to address a $1 billion budget shortfall. The financial burden of housing illegal immigrants has further fueled tensions in the city.
As Chicago continues to grapple with the implications of President Trump’s immigration policies, the city remains steadfast in its commitment to protecting and supporting all residents. The debate surrounding immigration enforcement and the financial impact on the city underscores the complex challenges faced by local officials in navigating federal mandates and community needs.