Mayor Brandon Johnson announced that a wave of federal agents was anticipated to arrive in Chicago by Friday, in response to President Donald Trump’s continued warnings of a federal intervention in the country’s third-largest city.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Sunday that Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations will soon ramp up in the city.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Johnson have coordinated efforts to avert a potential federal deployment, as Trump and his administration persist in criticizing the Democratic governance of the city.
‘Workers Over Billionaires’ rally in Chicago
Community organizers and advocacy groups gathered in Chicago on Labor Day to celebrate America’s workers as Trump’s advances on the city continued.
The “Workers Over Billionaires” demonstration was organized by a coalition including the Chicago Federation of Labor and the Chicago Teachers Union.
Stacy Davis Gates, president of the Chicago Teachers Union, told that Trump’s actions were intended to intimidate and separate the community.
“In the labor movement, we rely on unity … we hold that it’s this unity that brings us together, that democratizes this realm. That’s our duty at this moment,” Gates remarked.
Chicago sees 31 shootings over Labor Day weekend
Within the last 72 hours, Chicago has experienced over two dozen shootings, according to data from the Chicago Police Department. Overall, 50 individuals were shot, eight succumbed to their injuries, and at least three others were apprehended in connection with the violence.
Chicago Police Department data indicates that overall crime has decreased by 13% this year. Shooting incidents have seen a nearly 40% decline compared to 2024’s figures, as reported by affiliate WGN.
Chicago mayor signs executive order ahead of potential federal takeover
Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday in response to the Trump administration’s plans.
The directive confirms that Chicago police officers report to the mayor, not the federal authorities, as the city’s “sanctuary” policy prohibits police from collaborating with federal agents on ICE activities, patrols, or other law enforcement duties.
“National guard troops, any kind of troops, on the streets of an American city don’t belong unless there’s an insurrection, unless there is an emergency there is not,” Pritzker said.
While Noem confirmed ICE would soon expand operations in Chicago, she said sending the National Guard alongside them is ultimately up to Trump.
Chicago ‘doing a good job’ on crime
Former Chicago Police Superintendent Eddie Johnson joined on Monday night and said city leaders are “doing a pretty good job” on violent crime, but should work with the National Guard if they arrive.
“It is showing signs of progress; most people in the city probably wouldn’t want the National Guard… if I were the mayor, I would call the president and see how this could work for both parties,” Johnson said.
“We could kind of have a collaborative effort, because what you don’t want is for them to come here and there are no lines of communication, because that could create chaos.”
‘s Mills Hayes, Patrick Djordjevic, and Anna Kutz contributed to this report.
