CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson is under fire after suggesting that former President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement actions are what America would look like today “if the Confederacy had won the Civil War.”
The controversial statement, made during a press appearance amid protests over federal immigration crackdowns, drew immediate criticism from political commentators and historians alike.
Johnson further described Trump as both a “racist” and a “terrorist”, and argued that Trump-era ICE policies violate constitutional protections.
“What we are seeing today is what this country would look like if the Confederacy had won,” Johnson said. “This is terrorism. This is the kind of racist, tyrannical government that people fought and died to defeat.”
Immigration Protests, Federal Action Fuel Heated Commentary
The remarks came as tensions flared in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, where protesters have rallied against renewed ICE raids and the deployment of National Guard troops to control demonstrations.
Johnson accused federal agents of targeting communities without due process and called for a halt to militarized enforcement operations in sanctuary cities like Chicago.
“No federal agency should be allowed to storm into our neighborhoods under cover of night,” he added. “We are a city that protects its people.”
Critics Say Mayor Misrepresented Civil War History
The backlash was swift. Critics argued that Johnson’s comments distorted basic historical facts — noting that the Confederacy consisted of Southern Democrats, and that Abraham Lincoln, the president who led the Union to victory, was a Republican.
Social media exploded with reactions pointing to what some called “a stunning lack of historical literacy.”
One user responded:
“If the Confederacy had won, Mayor Johnson wouldn’t have the right to vote, let alone hold office. How can he ignore that?”
As highlighted by national coverage, the mayor’s remarks are fueling an already volatile political climate around immigration and federal power.
City Grapples With Immigration Crisis, Political Divide
Johnson’s comments arrive as Chicago continues to absorb thousands of asylum seekers, many of whom are affected by ongoing federal deportation efforts. With criticism coming from both local conservatives and national media, Johnson faces renewed pressure to clarify the city’s position amid rising tension.
Do You Agree With Mayor Johnson’s Statement — Or Was It Out Of Line?
Join the conversation now on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com and tell us where you stand on this historic comparison.
