Chicago mayor establishes ICE-free zones amid federal sweeps
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Monday creating 'ICE-free zones' to prevent federal immigration agents from using city property for raids. The move responds to the Trump administration's 'Operation Midway Blitz,' which has led to over 1,000 arrests in Illinois. Tensions have escalated with reports of violence against federal agents.
During a news conference on Monday, Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the executive order aimed at 'reigning in this out-of-control administration.' He explained, 'The order establishes ICE-free zones. That means that city property and unwilling private businesses will no longer serve as staging grounds for these raids.'
The action comes as the Trump administration's 'Operation Midway Blitz,' launched last month, deploys additional federal immigration agents to Illinois, resulting in more than 1,000 arrests. Anti-ICE protesters have mobilized in the streets to obstruct the deportation efforts, with some incidents turning violent.
On Saturday in Broadview, Illinois, Border Patrol agents were 'rammed by vehicles and boxed in by 10 cars,' according to Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin on X. When agents exited their vehicle, they encountered Marimar Martinez, identified as an alleged attacker. McLaughlin stated agents determined she was 'armed with a semi-automatic weapon,' leading them to 'fire defensive shots at an unarmed U.S. citizen.' Chicago Police were instructed to stand down despite calls for help. Martinez had been flagged in a federal bulletin last week for allegedly doxing agents and posting online, 'Hey to all my gang let’s f*** those motherf****ers up, don’t let them take anyone.'
In response to rising assaults, the Trump administration plans to deploy about 400 soldiers from Texas to Chicago and Portland. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has sued the administration, calling the troop movement 'Trump’s invasion.' Chicago, a sanctuary city, continues to navigate federal immigration enforcement amid these conflicts.