Chicago Mayor Condemns Trump Administration Over Immigration

Johnson criticizes federal policies in wake of local teen's murder

Apr. 1, 2026 at 4:03am

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, has accused the Trump administration of committing "assaults against immigrants" less than 10 days after the murder of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman in the city. The mayor's comments come amid ongoing tensions over immigration policies and their impact on local communities.

Why it matters

The mayor's remarks highlight the political divide over immigration and how it intersects with issues of public safety and crime in major cities. The timing of his statement, soon after a high-profile murder, also underscores the delicate balance local leaders must strike when addressing sensitive topics.

The details

Mayor Johnson criticized the Trump administration's immigration policies, claiming they amount to "assaults against immigrants." His comments came just days after the murder of 18-year-old Sheridan Gorman, whose death has sparked renewed debate over crime and public safety in Chicago.

  • Sheridan Gorman, an 18-year-old Chicago resident, was murdered on March 22, 2026.
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson made his comments criticizing the Trump administration less than 10 days after Gorman's death.

The players

Brandon Johnson

The Democratic mayor of Chicago.

Sheridan Gorman

An 18-year-old Chicago resident who was murdered on March 22, 2026.

Donald Trump

The former president of the United States whose administration's immigration policies were criticized by Mayor Johnson.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have to end the assaults against immigrants that this administration has been committing.”

— Brandon Johnson, Mayor of Chicago

The takeaway

Mayor Johnson's comments underscore the political tensions surrounding immigration policy and its impact on local communities, particularly in the aftermath of high-profile crimes. His remarks highlight the delicate balance local leaders must strike when addressing sensitive topics that intersect with national politics.