More than 100 people in the Chicago area have been arrested this week as the federal government intensifies immigration enforcement efforts targeting undocumented immigrants with violent crime convictions. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing a request to testify before Congress about the city's sanctuary status, while the Trump administration freezes spending on federal assistance programs.
More than 100 individuals in the Chicago area have been apprehended this week as the federal government initiates targeted immigration enforcement operations. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stated that multiple federal agencies have communicated their focus on detaining undocumented immigrants with convictions for violent crimes.
While Snelling declined to disclose the specific identities of those arrested in Chicago, he confirmed the figure of over 100 arrests within the broader Chicago region. Snelling emphasized that the information received directly from federal agencies indicates a concentrated effort on apprehending undocumented individuals with prior convictions for violent crimes. He sought to alleviate anxieties within immigrant communities regarding potential federal agent presence at schools or workplaces. Snelling assured the public, 'There's no need to be afraid to show up to work. There's no need to be afraid to go to school.'Mayor Brandon Johnson was requested to provide testimony before Congress regarding sanctuary city policies. The House Oversight and Government Reform Committee has launched an investigation into policies implemented in cities labeled as 'sanctuary cities,' including Chicago, Boston, Denver, and New York. These policies restrict local law enforcement from collaborating with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the Trump administration's 'mass deportation' efforts. The committee has invited the mayors of these cities to testify on February 11th and submit all documents and communications related to their cities' sanctuary policies. Mayor Johnson reaffirmed Chicago's designation as a sanctuary city, stating that the Welcoming City Ordinance and the Illinois TRUST Act, which offer protections for undocumented immigrants, constitute 'the law of the land.' He expressed Chicago's longstanding commitment to welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds and emphasized the city's dedication to upholding civil and human rights. However, regarding Congressional testimony, Mayor Johnson remained noncommittal, referring inquiries to Corporation Counsel Mary Richardson-Lowry. Richardson-Lowry stated that city attorneys are meticulously reviewing the specifics of the congressional committee's request before formulating a formal response.The mayor stated his support for deporting undocumented immigrants convicted of violent crimes but emphasized that the responsibility for such actions lies with the federal government, not local law enforcement. He underscored the separation of powers, stating, 'Being a welcoming city just simply states that our local police department will not behave as federal agents.'In a separate development, the Trump administration initiated a freeze on spending for federal assistance programs, potentially impacting a wide range of sectors, including aid to non-profit organizations, universities, small business loans, and state and local government grants. A memo issued by the Office of Management and Budget directed federal agencies to evaluate compliance with President Trump's executive orders, specifically targeting 'DEI, woke gender ideology and the Green New Deal.' However, the memo lacked specifics regarding the interpretation of these policies, particularly concerning the Green New Deal, which was never enacted into law.
IMMIGRATION CHICAGO SANCTUARY CITY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MAYOR JOHNSON CONGRESS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS
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