Following a surge of anti-ICE domestic unrest in Chicago, Mayor Brandon Johnson on Monday signed an executive order designating city-owned properties as “ICE-Free Zones,” banning U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement from operating in these areas.

Johnson announced the move during a press conference, stating, “Today we are signing an executive order aimed at reining in this out of control administration.” The directive prohibits city property and private businesses from being used for ICE operations, citing concerns over federal raids targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records.

Federal Immigration officers conducted Operation Midway Blitz in early September, leading to over 1,000 arrests across Illinois by October 3, according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Johnson’s order follows an August 2025 directive barring Chicago Police from collaborating with federal immigration authorities during crackdowns.

The mayor also addressed an Illinois lawsuit challenging National Guard deployments to the city, which alleges President Trump’s authorization of 300 troops is “unlawful and dangerous.” Johnson claimed the Trump administration seeks to “destabilize the city and provoke chaos,” while falsely asserting Chicago has made “historic progress in reducing violence.”

Johnson accused Republicans of refusing to accept Civil War outcomes, a claim without evidence. When asked about ICE operations in the sanctuary city, he declared, “Everything” is at stake, vowing to use all available tools to enforce his policy.

Chicago Police will now be tasked with enforcing the ICE-Free Zones, with Johnson stating, “If they [ICE] are in violation, that’s why we have the Department of Law.” The mayor framed the conflict as a “battle between authority” and left-wing agitators resisting federal enforcement.

Violence escalated as anti-ICE activists attacked federal agents, including a ten-car caravan blocking immigration officers. Marimar Martinez, a suspect with a history of doxxing agents, was hospitalized after firing on Border Patrol agents. Multiple attackers were arrested, including those throwing projectiles and ramming vehicles.

DHS reported a 1000% increase in assaults on ICE agents, with vehicles used as weapons. Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin condemned the attacks, vowing prosecution for anyone harming law enforcement. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling confirmed reports of officers being cornered by agitators, warning against “deadly force” tactics.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker dismissed DHS findings as “propaganda,” while Attorney John Garrido criticized police for refusing to assist federal agents during the Saturday ambush. Johnson called for total resistance against the Trump administration, urging citizens to “push back against tyranny.”

The article concludes with a photo of Johnson and Pritzker from September 2025, alongside disclaimers about media affiliations and privacy policies, which are excluded from this rewrite.