Cook County SA Criticizes Chicago Mayor's Immigration Order

Policy chief says the order compromises potential prosecutions of federal agents.

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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The policy chief for Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke has criticized Chicago Mayor's recent 'ICE on notice' executive order, stating that it compromises potential prosecutions of federal immigration agents by politicizing the investigations.

Why it matters

The dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with the mayor's order aiming to limit cooperation with federal immigration agents, while the county prosecutor argues this could undermine potential criminal cases against those agents.

The details

According to the policy chief, the mayor's executive order politicizes investigations into federal immigration agents, which could compromise the county prosecutor's ability to potentially prosecute any wrongdoing by those agents.

  • The 'ICE on notice' executive order was issued by the Chicago mayor on February 6, 2026.

The players

Eileen O'Neill Burke

The Cook County State's Attorney.

Chicago Mayor

The mayor of Chicago who issued the 'ICE on notice' executive order.

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What they’re saying

“The city's 'ICE on notice' executive order compromises potential prosecutions of federal agents by politicizing the investigations.”

— Policy chief, for Cook County State's Attorney Eileen O'Neill Burke

What’s next

The dispute between the county prosecutor's office and the mayor's office is likely to continue, with potential legal challenges or negotiations over the scope and implementation of the executive order.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities over immigration enforcement, with local officials seeking to limit cooperation with federal agents while prosecutors argue this could undermine potential criminal cases.