Chicago: Mayor Brandon Johnson Signs “ICE Free Zone” Executive Order, Prohibiting Use Of City Property For Federal Immigration Operations
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CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Signs Executive Order to Create "ICE Free Zone"

In a bold move to protect the rights of Chicago residents and immigrant communities, Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order known as the "ICE Free Zone." This order prohibits federal immigration agents from using any City-owned property for their operations in Chicago.

The order, which expands upon Mayor Johnson's Protecting Chicago initiative, aims to safeguard communities and rein in the reckless behavior of federal immigration agents. It also sends a clear message that the city will not tolerate any violations of residents' constitutional rights or disregard for local authority.

"We will not stand for ICE agents abusing our residents and violating their rights. We will not allow the federal government to undermine our democracy," said Mayor Johnson. "With this Executive Order, Chicago stands firm in protecting the Constitutional rights of our residents and immigrant communities."

This latest executive order comes after reports of federal immigration enforcement operations using Chicago Public Schools parking lots and a City-owned parking lot at Harrison and Kedzie as staging sites, which is a violation of Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance. Such actions erode trust between immigrant communities and the city, hindering community safety and constitutional policing.

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Under Mayor Johnson's leadership, swift action is being taken to prevent these transgressions and use municipal power to protect the safety, dignity, and human rights of every Chicagoan regardless of race, religion, immigration status or national origin. City departments and agencies have been directed to identify all spaces that have been or may be used for federal immigration enforcement operations within five days.

To ensure compliance with the order, all City properties used for such purposes must display clear signage stating that they are owned or controlled by the City of Chicago and may not be used for civil immigration enforcement activities such as staging areas or processing locations. Physical barriers like locked gates may also be implemented to limit access to City property for these purposes.

City employees have been instructed to report any attempted use of City property for immigration enforcement, and any such instance will be reported to the Office of the Mayor and the Corporation Counsel.

This executive order is part of Mayor Johnson's Protecting Chicago initiative, which aims to maintain trust between immigrant communities and local law enforcement while ensuring the safety of all Chicagoans. In recent incidents, federal agents have been caught on video using tear gas outside a public school, acting outside their jurisdiction by putting a resident in a chokehold, and handcuffing a sitting member of the Chicago City Council.

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In response to these ongoing violations of constitutional rights and fear-mongering tactics used by federal immigration agents, Mayor Johnson is taking decisive action to protect Chicago's immigrant community and the rights of all residents.

The executive order also allows for increased community participation in the Protecting Chicago initiative. The Mayor's Office will provide official signage free of charge for private landowners and leaseholders to post on their property, clearly stating that no federal immigration agents may enter for civil immigration enforcement purposes. "Know Your Rights" materials will also be distributed to educate employees, tenants, and security staff on their rights when approached by federal agents seeking access to a property.

It is important to note that this order does not prohibit the lawful use of City property for purposes unrelated to federal immigration enforcement. More information on Protecting Chicago can be found at chicago.gov/protect. The signed Executive Order will also be available on the City Clerk's website.

Mayor Johnson's "ICE Free Zone" executive order is a significant step towards protecting the rights and safety of all Chicagoans. With this measure in place, the city remains committed to upholding its values of inclusivity and protecting its residents from unjust actions by federal authorities.

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