Mayor implements 'Freedom to Demonstrate' decree, responding to increasing presence of ICE agents in Chicago's vicinity.
In a tense standoff, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has rebuffed US President Donald Trump's proposal to send National Guard troops to the city to tackle crime. On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, Trump announced his intention to deploy troops, but no immediate plans have been made, Vice President JD Vance confirmed on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.
Johnson, who signed the "Protecting Chicago" executive order last month as a response to Trump's immigration crackdown and potential National Guard deployment in the area, remained calm during a press conference on Tuesday. However, he became defensive when questioned about the possibility of federal troops aiding in making Chicago's streets safer.
The mayor's stance was further solidified by his criticism of Trump's policies, invoking the spirit of Dr. Martin Luther King in his opposition. Johnson also expressed his disapproval of Trump attempting to put his name on Chicago's progress or taking credit for the city's recent reduction in violent crime.
The "Right to Protest" executive order, signed by Johnson on Tuesday, reaffirms protections for people demonstrating against federal actions in Chicago. This move comes in response to recent ICE operations in and around the city, with a video showing an ICE arrest in Little Village causing particular concern.
Trump has referred to Chicago as a "death trap," but Johnson countered this by stating that there are no circumstances under which troops should be deployed to cities across America. He described Trump's obsession with militarizing cities as a "sickness."
In a bid to further protect the city, Johnson has taken proactive steps to ensure the rights of people to publicly demonstrate are upheld. He also stated that no one has asked him to send federal troops into Chicago to make it safe.
Trump has set a high bar for Chicago, stating that if the city reduces its weekly murder rate to less than six or seven, it is doing a great job. However, Johnson's focus remains on maintaining peace and order in the city through non-militaristic means.
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