Chicago Mayor Defends Order to Probe Alleged Federal Crimes

State's Attorney Raises Concerns Over Mayor's Directive

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has defended his order to investigate alleged crimes committed by federal authorities, despite concerns raised by the state's attorney. The mayor stated that this is not about politics, but rather about protecting the lives of Chicagoans and establishing a precedent for the rest of the country to follow.

Why it matters

The mayor's directive to investigate federal authorities has sparked a debate over the boundaries of local and federal jurisdiction, as well as the role of elected officials in addressing perceived misconduct by government agencies.

The details

Mayor Johnson issued the order in response to concerns about the actions of federal agents in Chicago, though the specific allegations have not been made public. The state's attorney has raised questions about the legality and feasibility of the mayor's directive, arguing that it could interfere with ongoing investigations.

  • Mayor Johnson issued the order on February 11, 2026.

The players

Mayor Brandon Johnson

The current mayor of Chicago who has ordered an investigation into alleged crimes committed by federal authorities in the city.

Chicago State's Attorney

The top prosecutor for the state of Illinois in Chicago, who has raised concerns about the mayor's directive.

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What they’re saying

“This is not even about politics for me. This is about saving lives and protecting the people of Chicago. This is about establishing a precedent for the rest of the country to embrace. That's what this moment is calling for: Real, bold, tenacious leadership that is prepared and willing to stand up to a tyrant.”

— Mayor Brandon Johnson (wirepoints.org)

What’s next

The state's attorney's office is expected to further review the legality and feasibility of the mayor's directive in the coming weeks.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the ongoing tensions between local and federal authorities, as well as the challenges faced by elected officials in holding government agencies accountable for alleged misconduct.