On Saturday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that the Chicago Police Department will not cooperate with any federal agents or National Guard troops if U.S. President Donald Trump proceeds with his plans to send them to the city. Surrounded by city leaders, Johnson signed an executive order aimed at preparing Chicago for a potential federal operation. He referred to Trump’s threat as “tyranny” and urged him to reverse course.
“This is about making sure we are prepared,” Johnson said, emphasizing that the order provides “real, clear guidance” for city workers and residents on how to resist federal interference.
Executive Order Limits Police Role
The new order directs Chicago police to continue enforcing state and local laws but prohibits them from participating in federal patrols, arrests, or other law enforcement actions. Officers are also required to wear official uniforms, display body cameras, and avoid wearing masks to prevent them from being mistaken for federal agents. The order warns that deploying federal forces without local approval “undermines democratic norms, threatens civil liberties, and risks escalating violence rather than securing peace.”
White House Dismisses Move
The White House rejected Johnson’s order, accusing Democrats of politicizing crime. “If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer,” said spokeswoman Abigail Jackson.
Legal Battle Looms
While it remains unclear how much authority state and local officials have to block federal deployments, Johnson said the city is considering lawsuits and other legal measures. “We will use the courts if that’s necessary,” he told reporters. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, has also maintained that Trump lacks the legal authority to send troops without state consent.
Summary
- Mayor Johnson signs an order barring cooperation with federal troops.
- Police are instructed to avoid participating in any federal enforcement actions.
- The White House has called the move a “publicity stunt.”
- A legal showdown is possible if Trump proceeds with the deployment.
