"Chicago Mayor resists supporting Trump's military forces: 'We can resist this oppressive rule'"
Mayor Brandon Johnson Issues Executive Order to Protect Chicago from Federal Intervention
Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago has taken a decisive step to safeguard the city's residents from potential federal government actions. On Tuesday, Johnson signed an executive order known as the "Protecting Chicago Initiative."
The order directs all city departments to stand against federal government actions, prohibits Chicago police from cooperating with military or federal forces during patrols, and requires officers to wear uniforms without masks to clearly distinguish themselves from federal troops. The aim is to prevent the deployment of U.S. military forces in Chicago by President Trump.
Johnson stated that the order is necessary due to credible reports suggesting action could come within days. He further added that the deployment of federal military forces in Chicago without local consent undermines democratic norms, violates the city's sovereignty, threatens civil liberties, and risks escalating violence.
The White House, however, dismissed Johnson's move as a partisan issue. Abigail Jackson, White House spokeswoman, accused Democrats of focusing on publicity stunts instead of fixing crime in their own cities.
Chicago police will continue to enforce state and local laws but will not assist with patrols, arrests, or other law enforcement actions alongside federal officers. The order directs city police to wear their official police uniforms, identify themselves, follow body camera procedures, and not wear masks to distinguish themselves from federal operations.
Local officials and residents in Chicago have been preparing for the possible arrival of federal agents and troops. The mayor is pursuing legal and legislative measures, including possible lawsuits, to push back against any U.S. deployment.
It's important to note that a president's power to send in troops is limited under U.S. law, but there are no restrictions on the deployment of federal law enforcement officers such as ICE agents. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, has stated that the president lacks the legal authority to deploy troops to his state without a request from the governor.
In the past, deployments of the National Guard to Chicago were coordinated with local officials. However, there have been reports suggesting that Trump has been threatening to expand his federal crackdown on Democrat-led U.S. cities to Chicago without any formal request.
The executive order aims to offer "real, clear guidance" to city government workers and "all the Chicagoans" on how to stand up against this perceived tyranny. Johnson emphasized that they will use the courts if necessary to protect the city and its residents.
This development comes at a time when tensions between local authorities and the federal government are running high, with Trump repeatedly threatening to send federal agents to various cities without formal requests. The "Protecting Chicago Initiative" is a bold move by Mayor Johnson to assert the city's autonomy and protect its residents from potential federal intervention.
