Chicago Mayor SPYING on Trump ICE Agents

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson just unleashed a radical executive order directing local police to spy on federal ICE agents enforcing President Trump’s immigration laws, shielding criminal illegals at American taxpayers’ expense.

Story Snapshot

Johnson signed the “ICE On Notice” order on January 31, 2026, forcing Chicago Police to document and report federal agents to local prosecutors for alleged misconduct.
This unprecedented move in sanctuary-state Illinois targets Trump’s deportation surge, ignoring DHS data on 1,768 criminal illegals released since January 20, including 5 homicides and 10 sex offenses.
Police union blasts it as “toilet paper,” warning of legal risks to officers amid expected federal operations this spring.
Federal officials deny any agent wrongdoing, calling claims false while defending high professional standards under Trump and Secretary Noem.

Executive Order Targets Federal Law Enforcement

On January 31, 2026, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed the “ICE On Notice” executive order at Chicago City Hall. The directive requires Chicago Police Department officers to document federal immigration enforcement activities, preserve body-camera footage, and identify agents by name, badge numbers, and credentials. Officers must refer evidence of alleged felony violations to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office and share data publicly. Johnson claims this holds “militarized” federal agents accountable, citing incidents from Operation Midway Blitz like the shooting of Marimar Martinez and killing of Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez.

Sanctuary Policies Fuel Crime Wave

Illinois sanctuary state laws block cooperation with ICE detainers, leading to the release of 1,768 criminal illegal aliens since January 20, 2026. Department of Homeland Security reports these include perpetrators of 5 homicides, 141 assaults, 23 burglaries, 4 robberies, 24 dangerous drug offenses, 15 weapons offenses, and 10 sexual predatory offenses. Johnson’s order ignores this reality, prioritizing scrutiny of federal agents over public safety. Federal officials emphasize ICE operates under the highest standards, countering Johnson’s “rogue actors” narrative as false.

Police Union Rebellion and Implementation Hurdles

The Fraternal Order of Police opposes the order, with head John Catanzara dismissing it as “toilet paper” and warning of legal jeopardy for CPD members. Police have 30 days to develop implementation policies, creating operational burdens amid internal friction. CPD leadership cooperates reluctantly, while the union explores challenges to protect officers. This pits local cops against federal partners enforcing national immigration law, undermining unified law enforcement efforts.

Mayor Johnson insists the order avoids direct conflict, stating local police will not handcuff federal agents. Yet it directs documentation and referrals, escalating tensions. Johnson’s counsel Sheila Bedi argues federal agents face local accountability if actions exceed federal duties. Courts have yet to test this theory, raising enforceability doubts.

Federal Pushback and Broader Implications

DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin rejected misconduct claims outright: “These claims… are FALSE. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, ICE is held to the highest professional standard.” The order responds to anticipated spring federal surges but risks chilling enforcement in Chicago. Long-term, it could inspire copycat measures in other sanctuary cities, eroding federal supremacy in immigration. Immigrant advocates like the National Immigrant Justice Center support it for “accountability,” while residents face ongoing threats from unprosecuted criminals.

Alderman William Hall calls it “Trump-proofing” Chicago, highlighting defiance of national policy. Prosecutorial success hinges on unproven legal theories, with federal immunity likely prevailing. This political stunt burdens taxpayers, distracts police, and hampers Trump’s mandate to deport criminals, prioritizing open borders over American safety.