Chicago Mayor Threatens to Arrest ICE Agents Over Immigration Enforcement

Mayor Brandon Johnson warns he will prosecute federal immigration officers for alleged misconduct in the city.

Feb. 1, 2026 at 7:47pm

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order directing the Chicago Police Department to 'investigate' ICE agents and file criminal referrals against them for alleged 'misconduct.' Johnson accused ICE officers of violating constitutionally protected rights and said the city will not 'sit idly by' while federal agents 'terrorize' residents. The Chicago police union has denounced the mayor's plan, calling it a 'piece of toilet paper' and saying Johnson's administration is uninformed about the law.

Why it matters

This move by the Chicago mayor highlights the ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement, with Johnson taking a hardline stance against ICE operations in the city. It raises questions about the limits of local control and the balance of power between municipal and federal agencies when it comes to immigration policy.

The details

Mayor Johnson's executive order creates a 'framework for public accountability' if federal agents are believed to have violated local or state laws while operating in Chicago. The order directs the Chicago Police Department to investigate ICE agents and make criminal referrals to the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. Johnson accused ICE of 'lawlessness' and 'terrorizing' Chicago residents, vowing to put the agency 'on notice' in the city.

  • Mayor Johnson signed the executive order on Saturday, February 1, 2026.
  • In October 2025, Johnson had previously signed an order creating 'ICE-free zones' to impede immigration arrests in Chicago.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The Democratic mayor of Chicago who signed the executive order threatening to prosecute ICE agents for alleged misconduct.

John Catanzara Jr.

The president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, who denounced the mayor's executive order as a 'piece of toilet paper' and said Johnson's administration is uninformed about the law.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws, which Mayor Johnson has accused of 'lawlessness' and 'terrorizing' Chicago residents.

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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 (Breitbart)

“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 (Breitbart)

“The only good thing in that piece of toilet paper is 'no CPD member will be required to arrest any federal agents.'”

— John Catanzara Jr., President, Chicago Fraternal Order of Police (The Center Square)

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.