CHICAGO (WLS) — As the city prepares for an ICE increase and the potential arrival of the National Guard, Mayor Brandon Johnson aligned with the labor movement on Monday to vocally oppose the Trump administration.
“No federal troops in the city of Chicago! No militarized force in the city of Chicago!” Johnson said.
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Johnson began his Labor Day speech with determination, emphasizing once more that a surge of ICE agents and the National Guard are not desired in Chicago.
“We are going to protect the humanity of every single person in the city of Chicago,” Johnson said.
Johnson addressed an enthusiastic crowd of several hundred who marched in favor of union workers and against the Trump administration. This came after a calmer event over the weekend at City Hall, where the mayor enacted an executive order titled “Protecting Chicago.” It reinforces the city’s Sanctuary City status and advises federal agents not to wear masks.
In the meantime, Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago is preparing to be the base of operations for more ICE agents.
“We do intend to add more resources, to those operations, I won’t disclose the details,” said Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
During an appearance on CBS’s Face the Nation on Sunday, Noem verified that increased immigration enforcement is approaching Illinois but did not confirm that the National Guard would be deployed as well.
“I think it goes hand in hand that initially, agents would be sent here with the administration’s hope that an incident arises to further justify Trump deploying our National Guard,” expressed Rep. Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, D-Illinois’ 4th District.
As the city prepares to celebrate Mexican Independence Day next weekend, Garcia urged residents to stay calm and not provoke ICE agents.
Former Education Secretary Arne Duncan says outreach workers with his anti-violence organization Chicago CRED are preparing to keep the peace.
“Trump desires conflict. Trump desires escalation. We must not give him what he craves. We have to safeguard democracy. That is the essence of this,” stated Duncan.
As for when the ICE surge begins, there are reports that agents may arrive as soon as Tuesday.
“City government needs to let people know their police force is going to serve and protect not cooperate with ICE,” said 22nd Ward Ald. Michael Rodriguez.
There is no timetable for the National Guard’s potential arrival. That decision is up to Trump.
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