Chicago Mayor Directs Police to Investigate Federal Immigration Agents

Executive order aims to prosecute alleged misconduct by ICE and Border Patrol agents

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order directing the city's police department to investigate and document alleged misconduct by federal immigration officers, with the goal of potential prosecution. The move comes amid rising tensions between progressive cities and the federal government over immigration enforcement tactics.

Why it matters

This order is part of a broader effort by progressive cities to hold federal immigration agencies accountable for alleged abuses and misconduct. It highlights the ongoing clash between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement and the limits of federal agents' authority.

The details

The executive order requires the Chicago Police Department to document federal enforcement actions, preserve body-camera footage, identify federal supervisory officers, and refer cases of alleged criminal misconduct to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office for potential prosecution. This makes Chicago the first city in the country to take such steps against federal immigration agents.

  • On January 7, 2026, two Minnesotans were killed by federal agents during an immigration crackdown in Minneapolis.
  • In September 2025, an ICE officer fatally shot an undocumented immigrant who allegedly resisted arrest in a Chicago suburb.
  • On October 4, 2025, a U.S. Customs and Border Protection agent shot a U.S. citizen five times after her vehicle collided with a federal law enforcement vehicle in Chicago.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who signed the executive order directing the city's police to investigate alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents.

Chicago Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that will be responsible for documenting federal immigration enforcement actions, preserving evidence, and referring cases of alleged criminal misconduct to prosecutors.

Cook County State's Attorney's Office

The local prosecutor's office that will receive referrals from the Chicago Police Department and potentially prosecute federal immigration agents for criminal misconduct.

Department of Homeland Security

The federal agency that oversees Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP), which have been accused of misconduct in Chicago and other cities.

John Catanzara

The president of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 7, who dismissed the executive order as "political bluster."

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What they’re saying

“We are putting ICE on notice in our city. Chicago will not sit idly by while Trump floods federal agents into our communities and terrorizes our residents.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago (CNN)

“This executive order will make Chicago the first city in the country to set the groundwork to prosecute ICE and Border Patrol agents for criminal misconduct.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago (CNN)

“Claims of criminal misconduct by ICE law enforcement are FALSE.”

— Tricia McLaughlin, Department of Homeland Security spokesperson (CNN)

What’s next

The Chicago Police Department has been directed to issue guidance and procedures to implement the executive order within 30 days.

The takeaway

This executive order is part of a broader effort by progressive cities to hold federal immigration agencies accountable for alleged abuses and misconduct, highlighting the ongoing clash between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement.