The Chicago City Council backs Mayor Johnson, rejecting efforts to weaken the sanctuary city ordinance amid rising deportation concerns.
Aldermen voted 39-11 to table an amendment proposed by Ald. Raymond Lopez and Ald. Silvana Tabares. Their amendment aimed to let Chicago police collaborate with federal agencies on serious crimes. However, the mayor’s team, along with progressive allies, successfully fought against this change.
Even if the amendment had passed, it would have faced a tough challenge from a potential mayoral veto. The council has a mix of conservative and moderate members who are likely to keep opposing Johnson’s plans, especially regarding immigration, as the political landscape shifts.
The sanctuary city ordinance, which has been around for years, prevents local law enforcement from working with federal deportation authorities. This law helps immigrants feel safe reporting crimes without the fear of being deported. Lopez argues that his proposed changes would protect most immigrants in his community, but the mayor’s office warns it could undermine due process rights.
In the past, there have been attempts to challenge the sanctuary status, including a failed push to put a question on the ballot about ending it. This has led to some tension among council members and has affected Johnson’s control over the council.
In addition to the sanctuary city discussions, the council also approved settlements related to police misconduct and passed a new ordinance to ban hemp products in certain wards. This comes amid ongoing debates about how to regulate hemp sales in Chicago.
