CHICAGO — House Speaker Mike Johnson delivered strong remarks against Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson during a recent Fox News appearance, accusing the mayor of opposing federal immigration enforcement and undermining public safety as ICE raids increase nationwide.
Speaker Johnson Visits ICE Facility in Chicago
Speaker Johnson toured a Chicago Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility earlier this week, praising agents as “understaffed and overwhelmed” yet committed to removing dangerous individuals from the country. During an interview on America’s Newsroom, Johnson said agents were performing a “patriotic duty” despite working in a city led by officials who oppose their mission.
“They have a very difficult job in this deep blue territory with a mayor on the wrong side of the law,” Speaker Johnson said.
Mayor Johnson Vows Resistance
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has taken a firm stand against what he called “ill-conceived” federal immigration crackdowns. Amid concerns that former President Donald Trump may deploy federal agents for enforcement sweeps, the mayor vowed the city would “resist” through legal and policy channels.
“We will continue to resist, whether it’s in the courts, in the streets, or through public policy,” said Mayor Johnson, warning against the use of federal troops to detain longtime immigrant residents.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker echoed similar sentiments, noting that the Trump-aligned immigration plan targets tax-paying, law-abiding residents. “I don’t know exactly how big the force will be,” he said, “but I do know he has used other law enforcement along with ICE to carry out his mission.”
Funding Boost for ICE Agents Under New Federal Bill
Speaker Johnson also pointed to the recently passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” which includes additional funding for border enforcement, defense, and ICE personnel bonuses. The measure, which extends the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, proposes $10,000 annual bonuses for ICE and Border Patrol agents over the next four years.
“We’re working on the one big beautiful bill to allow them the resources that are desperately needed,” Johnson stated.
The legislation is currently in the Senate and is expected to draw continued political debate as immigration remains a top issue ahead of the 2024 election cycle.
Read More: Charlotte Flair Sparks Outrage After Calling Chicago the ‘Worst Wrestling City in the World’
Chicago’s Migrant Influx Sparks Policy Clash
Chicago has received more than 51,000 migrants from the southern border since August 2022, straining local resources and deepening the divide between federal immigration authorities and city leadership. While ICE focuses on removal of individuals deemed a threat, city officials maintain that many immigrants are simply seeking work and safety.
“The border is secured… but the removal of dangerous people is essential,” Johnson said, urging additional support for ICE agents on the ground.
How do you think Chicago should balance humanitarian support with immigration enforcement? Share your thoughts on the ongoing migrant response with ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
