Mayor Johnson Defends Executive Order on Immigration Agents

Chicago City Council committee delays vote on curfew proposal

Feb. 3, 2026 at 8:47pm

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It was a busy day at Chicago City Hall as Mayor Brandon Johnson met with reporters to defend his recent Executive Order calling on Chicago Police to investigate and document any wrongdoing by federal immigration agents in the city. Meanwhile, a key City Council committee delayed a vote on Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins' curfew proposal, as changes were still being made to the final language.

Why it matters

Mayor Johnson's Executive Order is part of an ongoing debate over immigration enforcement in Chicago, with the mayor and the Cook County State's Attorney's office at odds over the details. The curfew proposal is also a contentious issue, with concerns over civil liberties and public safety.

The details

Mayor Johnson said he needs the Cook County State's Attorney's office on board to prosecute any crimes that may be discovered by the police investigation into federal immigration agents. However, State's Attorney Eileen O'Neil Burke pushed back against the Mayor's claim that her office was on board, saying a final draft of the Executive Order was not provided to her office before the Mayor signed it. Meanwhile, there was no vote today on Alderman Hopkins' curfew proposal in the Public Safety Committee, as changes were again made to the proposal and they are still working on the final language.

  • On February 4, 2026, Mayor Johnson met with reporters to defend his recent Executive Order.
  • The Public Safety Committee delayed a vote on the curfew proposal on February 4, 2026.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The mayor of Chicago who issued an Executive Order calling for the Chicago Police to investigate and document any wrongdoing by federal immigration agents in the city.

Eileen O'Neil Burke

The Cook County State's Attorney who pushed back against Mayor Johnson's claim that her office was on board with the Executive Order before he signed it.

Brian Hopkins

The Second Ward Alderman who proposed a curfew measure that was delayed in the Public Safety Committee.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

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.