In a stark confrontation with the media, Chicago’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson seemed unconcerned when confronted about a sex offender living in the city. This individual was apprehended by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) amid an immigration enforcement operation initiated by the Trump administration.
ICE’s actions followed executive orders signed by former President Donald Trump, which sought to bolster immigration enforcement—a stark contrast to the policies rolled back by President Joe Biden in 2021. These Democratic policies undid several key initiatives from Trump’s first term. Mayor Johnson, known for his criticisms of ICE’s operations, firmly argued that city officials weren’t responsible for apprehending the sex offender.
When questioned why ICE could detain the offender when local authorities failed to take action, a reporter referenced Tom Homan’s swift arrest in Chicago: “Tom Homan showed up in Chicago and within 24 hours found a convicted sex offender who has been living in our city since 2009, flouting the sex offender registry. If he can do this, why can’t you?”
Mayor Johnson’s dismissive retort simply stated:
“Because that’s their job,” implying the local government is absolved of such duties. He elaborated, “That is their job. The federal government has a responsibility to make sure that individuals who are undocumented who have been charged with, convicted of, a crime, it is the federal government’s responsibility to do their part to uphold the law. Our local police department, along with our public health department, along with our other sister agencies are working to build a better, stronger, safer Chicago, and as we’ve stated repeatedly, those critical investments, continue to see the results of those investment as violent crime continues to fall in Chicago.”
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While there is some truth that violent crime rates have reduced in Chicago in 2024, the reality is starkly different when considering the years 2019 to 2022. Data from the University of Chicago paints a concerning picture: aggravated assault and aggravated battery have risen from 2023 into 2024. Despite investing hundreds of millions into housing, clothing, and feeding over 35,000 migrants transported from border states, Chicago suffers from a slew of unresolved socio-economic challenges. A Fox News report from February highlighted the extensive resources being allocated to these migrants.
Furthermore, the displacement of local communities due to resource redistribution has infuriated Chicago’s Black residents, leading to protests and legal action. ABC 7 Chicago reported that the city’s proposed plans to convert a closed-down high school and other South Side locations into migrant shelters met with significant resistance. Residents have valid concerns that vital city resources are being diverted from their own neighborhoods to accommodate migrants.
The influx of illegal immigrants into cities like Chicago and New York City is largely attributed to initiatives led by Republican Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas. Starting in 2022, Abbott started busing migrants to these so-called “sanctuary” cities, which often pledge protection for illegal immigrants. Abbott’s strategy was echoed by former Arizona Republican Gov. Doug Ducey, further illuminating the contrast in policy and priorities between border states and sanctuary cities.