Chicago Mayor Puts ICE 'On Notice' with Executive Order

Order seeks prosecution of federal agents accused of breaking local laws

Jan. 31, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order directing the city's police department to investigate and potentially prosecute federal immigration agents who allegedly break local laws. The order establishes procedures for officers to document and report any illegal activity by ICE agents, following several high-profile confrontations between federal agents and suspects in the Chicago area.

Why it matters

The order makes Chicago the first city in the nation to pursue legal accountability for alleged misconduct by federal immigration agents, who the mayor accused of violating constitutionally protected rights, destabilizing communities, and provoking life-threatening confrontations while remaining insulated from local oversight.

The details

The executive order instructs Chicago Police Department officers to document federal enforcement activity, preserve body-camera footage, identify federal supervisory officers, complete incident reports, and summon emergency medical services if needed. The order comes amid reports of a planned immigration enforcement surge in Chicago and the surrounding area.

  • Mayor Johnson signed the executive order on January 31, 2026.
  • The order follows several high-profile confrontations between federal agents and suspects in the Chicago area, including incidents in 2025.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The Democratic mayor of Chicago who signed the executive order.

Chicago Police Department (CPD)

The city's police force that is directed to investigate and document alleged illegal activity by federal immigration agents under the executive order.

Cook County State's Attorney's Office

The local prosecutor's office that may receive referrals from the CPD for potential prosecution of federal agents.

Silverio Villegas González

An individual who was shot and killed by an ICE agent in 2025 in suburban Franklin Park after authorities said he resisted arrest, attempted to flee, and dragged an ICE officer with his vehicle.

Marimar Martinez

An individual who was shot multiple times by a federal Border Patrol agent after authorities said agents returned defensive fire following an alleged vehicle collision.

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What they’re saying

“Nobody is above the law. There is no such thing as 'absolute immunity' in America.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

“The lawlessness of Trump's militarized immigration agents puts the lives and well-being of every Chicagoan in immediate danger. With today's order, 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

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.