Mayor Johnson Warns Trump Against Sending Troops to Chicago Over Immigration Crackdown

Marisol Vega
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Mayor Johnson Warns Trump Against Sending Troops to Chicago Over Immigration Crackdown

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a strong warning to the Trump administration this week, vowing to resist any effort to deploy federal troops in Chicago for immigration enforcement purposes.

At a Monday press conference from City Hall, Johnson called the potential military presence part of an unconstitutional immigration crackdown that threatens civil liberties in sanctuary cities.

“It’s just another example of his animus towards working people,” said Johnson. “I think it’s important that the president respects the Constitution.”

The comments came after a Rolling Stone report quoted a Trump administration official saying, “Chicago is next, if they go too far,” referencing protests and sanctuary city policies. The same official warned the federal government is ready to prove “nobody is above the law.”

Mayor Pledges Legal Action If Troops Are Deployed

The city’s legal counsel, Mary Richardson-Lowry, also weighed in, saying, “We believe it is a violation of the Constitution to deploy troops or National Guard absent authority under the Constitution.”

Mayor Johnson vowed to defend Chicago’s policies both in and outside the courtroom. “Whether it’s in the courts, in the streets, or through public policy, we’re going to stand up for working people,” he said.

ICE Raids, Protests, and Sanctuary City Backlash

Chicago has become a key focal point in national debates over immigration enforcement. Since August 2022, more than 51,000 migrants have arrived in the city — many bussed from Texas under orders from Republican Gov. Greg Abbott.

Anti-ICE protests have grown in intensity in recent weeks, especially after federal deployments in cities like Los Angeles. Johnson previously described these enforcement efforts as “immigration terrorism,” encouraging residents to “rise up” against ICE actions.

The city has already suspended its online municipal ID program after a subpoena from ICE requested access to user data, raising privacy concerns among undocumented residents. You can read more about that incident from Fox News coverage.

Pritzker and Johnson Defend Sanctuary Policies

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a fellow Democrat, recently testified before Congress in support of the state’s sanctuary protections, citing the human and economic cost of federal crackdowns. The state is projected to spend over $2.5 billion on migrant support programs by the end of 2025, according to Fox News.

What are your thoughts on the potential deployment of federal troops in Chicago for immigration enforcement? Do you support Mayor Johnson’s opposition? Share your opinion in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.

Marisol Vega

Marisol Vega

Marisol writes about how city decisions affect everyday people. From housing and schools to city programs, she breaks down the news so it’s easy to understand. Her focus is helping readers know what’s changing and how it matters to them.

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