Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson's recently issued guidelines for handling Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) visits on city property have drawn sharp criticism, particularly from Alderman Ray Lopez. These guidelines, released in anticipation of changes in federal immigration policy, reaffirm Chicago's commitment to its "Welcoming City" ordinance and compliance with the Illinois Trust Act, which limits local law enforcement's involvement in federal immigration enforcement.

The guidelines advise city employees to contact legal counsel and supervisors if ICE agents arrive on city property and to refrain from taking action until further guidance is received. They also recommend demanding copies of warrants and not consenting to ICE entering private or sensitive areas. However, they advise against interfering with any search, even if consent is denied. Detailed record-keeping is also encouraged.

Alderman Lopez criticized the mayor's efforts, arguing that they obstruct attempts to address crime committed by undocumented individuals. Lopez, along with Alderman Silvana Tabares, has proposed an amendment to the Welcoming City Ordinance that would allow collaboration with ICE to target undocumented individuals arrested for or convicted of specific crimes, including gang activity, drug offenses, prostitution, human trafficking, and sex crimes involving minors. Lopez emphasized that the amendment focuses on individuals deemed dangerous and aligns with potential shifts in federal immigration policy under the incoming Trump administration.

This controversy unfolds against the backdrop of a continuing migrant crisis and rising crime rates in Chicago. Mayor Johnson recently implemented a 60-day eviction policy for migrants in shelters. Former acting ICE director Tom Homan, a potential pick for a key immigration role in the Trump administration, has pledged strict enforcement in Chicago and criticized Illinois political leaders for their stance on immigration. Homan has outlined plans to verify asylum seekers' status, arrest those providing sanctuary to undocumented immigrants, and potentially prosecute officials who obstruct ICE operations. The upcoming city council vote on the proposed amendment to the Welcoming City Ordinance is expected to further intensify the debate surrounding immigration policy in Chicago.