Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signs 'Right to Protest' executive order Tuesday amid ICE crackdown in city, suburbs
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CHICAGO (WLS) — On Tuesday, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed the “Right to Protest” executive order.

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Johnson stated that he is taking proactive measures to ensure the protection of people’s rights to publicly demonstrate, particularly in response to the recent ICE operations in and around Chicago.

The mayor remained composed while fielding questions from reporters on Tuesday. However, when questioned about the possibility of federal troops assisting in making Chicago’s streets safer, it seemed to strike a nerve.

“The reality is, no one has ever asked me to bring federal troops into this city to ensure safety. It hasn’t come up. It wasn’t an issue during the campaign, and it’s not been a topic in the first two years,” Johnson explained.

The mayor’s fiery comments comes as President Donald Trump once again flip flopped on sending the National Guard to Chicago.

“If they lose fewer than six or seven people a week to murder, they consider it successful,” Trump commented. “Chicago is extremely dangerous, and I’m going to handle it just like I did with DC and as I plan to do with Memphis.”

Mayor Johnson bristled at that plan, noting the city’s reduction in violent crime this year.

“We’re not going to let the President of the United States, or anyone like him, undermine our efforts across this nation. Now that we’re seeing some relief, he wants to claim credit. That’s unacceptable,” Johnson declared.

Johnson signed an executive order to reaffirm protections for people who want to demonstrate against any federal action in Chicago.

He cited a recent clash at the ICE processing facility in Broadview as an example of why the order was important.

“This President is so unpredictable, we are unsure of his directives. The crucial point is that there’s a fundamental principle in our country of being able to peacefully assemble and petition the government,” the mayor emphasized.

Mayor Johnson also accused the president of being obsessed with militarizing cities, which he called a sickness, citing Dr. Martin Luther King.

He claimed there are no circumstances under which troops should be deployed to cities across America.

The mayor’s office said the order seeks to protect the free speech rights of every Chicagoan.

Last month, Johnson signed the “Protecting Chicago” executive order against President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown and potential National Guard deployment in the Chicago area.

READ MORE | Johnson signs order aimed at resisting planned immigration crackdown, possible Nat. Guard deployment

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