Mayor Brandon Johnson administration says ICE tactical units expected soon in Chicago, asks for peaceful anti-Trump protests
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — According to the administration of Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago is among five Democratic-led cities identified by President Donald Trump’s government for targeted actions. Reports from city officials indicate that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents have been instructed to remain on standby, with the possibility of being deployed within 48 hours.

The next move involves Chicago, as Mayor Johnson anticipates the arrival of additional federal ICE agents in the city who will conduct workplace raids. He is urging the residents to resist these actions.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“I am counting on all of Chicago to resist in this moment. Because whatever particular vulnerable group is being targeted today, another group will be next,” stated Johnson.

Immigrants living in the U.S. without legal permission are the target.

Last week, agents took dozens of people in custody following routine check-ins at an immigration facility on South Michigan Avenue. The Johnson administration expects ICE to ramp up their tactics.

“There will be tactical teams; there will be mini tanks. There will be other tools; they will plan to do raids, as we saw in Los Angeles,” Johnson Chief of Staff Cristina Pacione-Zayas said.

But, what the mayor’s office does not want is to give President Trump an excuse to send the National Guard and the Marines to Chicago.

Johnson is urging protesters to use their constitutional right to assemble peacefully.

SEE MORE: At least 1 injured, 17 arrested in Chicago anti-ICE protest as more demonstrations, raids possible

“There are some actors that unfortunately act outside of their constitutional protection. And, if that were to take place, those individuals will be held responsible and accountable,” Johnson said.

As demonstrated with the Democratic National Convention and Gaza protests, the mayor says the Chicago police are more than equipped to handle any type of protest or civil unrest on their own.

“I want to make sure that whether that crowd is 5, 5,000 or 50,000 that they’re protected. That is the role, the responsibility, of our police department,” Johnson said.

Johnson says state and local laws do not allow CPD to cooperate with ICE, but officers can be present at ICE raids to control crowds if protests impact the safety of Chicago residents.

Despite the city being a target for the Trump administration, the mayor refuses to hold back when talking about the president’s actions toward immigrants.

“You got to be really sick, sick and demented to do this to people,” Johnson said.

As the city waits for ICE raids, more protests are planned for Thursday and the big one on Saturday.

The mayor says he has been coordinating with the county and state to keep lines of communication open.

He also has been in constant talks with protest organizers.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Who is Anibal Hernandez Santana, accused in ABC station shooting and note saying Trump officials are 'next'

Uncovering the Identity of Anibal Hernandez Santana: Suspect in ABC Station Shooting and Threat to Trump Officials

Authorities claim that a man in California fired shots at an ABC…
Sara Jane Moore death: Woman who tried to assassinate President Gerald Ford in San Francisco, California in 1975 dies at 95

Sara Jane Moore, Who Attempted to Assassinate President Gerald Ford in 1975, Passes Away at 95

Sara Jane Moore, who spent over three decades in prison for attempting…
Kilmar Abrego Garcia transferred to Pennsylvania detention facility

Kilmar Abrego Garcia Moved to Pennsylvania Detention Center

In Nashville, Tennessee, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, previously deported from the U.S. to…
Robert Barnett, influential DC lawyer to politicians and journalists, dies at 79

Renowned DC Lawyer Robert Barnett, Advisor to Politicians and Journalists, Passes Away at 79

Robert Barnett, a prominent attorney in Washington, D.C., renowned for securing major…
Ukraine destroys dozens of Russian warplanes with drone attack deep inside Russia

Zelenskyy Warns Kremlin Leaders: ‘Be Aware of Bomb Shelter Locations’

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned leaders in Moscow that they should familiarize…
DOJ Announces Charges Against Activists Who Allegedly Doxxed an ICE Agent After Following Him Home

The DOJ Reveals Charges Against Activists Accused of Revealing ICE Agent’s Personal Information After Tracking Him Home

Amid the bustling news surrounding James Comey and the two-count indictment against…
Russia's Sergey Lavrov warns NATO countries in UNGA speech after Trump shifts tone on Ukraine

During a speech at the United Nations General Assembly, Russia’s Sergey Lavrov cautions NATO nations amidst changing rhetoric from Trump regarding Ukraine.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov utilized his speech at the United Nations…
Russian foreign minister tells United Nations any aggression against Russia will be met with 'decisive response'

Russian Foreign Minister Warns United Nations of Strong Retaliation to Any Acts Against Russia

UNITED NATIONS — As new tensions rise between Russia and NATO powers,…
Tropical weather in the Atlantic is slamming the Caribbean and may strike Southeast US next

Atlantic’s Tropical Storms Batter the Caribbean, Potentially Targeting Southeast US Next

MIAMI (AP) — Intense tropical weather conditions developed in the Atlantic Ocean…
Out of the Darkness walk for suicide prevention steps off at Montrose Harbor in Chicago; families turn heartbreak into hope

Families Transform Heartache into Hope at Chicago’s Montrose Harbor During the Out of the Darkness Walk for Suicide Prevention

CHICAGO (WLS) — If you or someone you know may be experiencing…
Humberto strengthens to Category 4, threatens US coast

Humberto Intensifies to Category 4, Poses Threat to US Coastline

Forecasters urged people in the Bahamas and along the southeastern coast of…
TPUSA leader calls for UNC professor’s firing over alleged leftist gun group ties after flyers hit Georgetown

TPUSA Leader Demands Firing of UNC Professor for Alleged Links to Leftist Gun Group Following Georgetown Flyer Incident

Andrew Kolvet, a spokesperson for Turning Point USA, urged on Saturday for…