Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Criticizes Trump’s Immigration Plans, Avoids Direct Answers
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson spoke out for the first time on Saturday against former President Donald Trump’s plans to intensify deportation operations in Chicago. However, during his appearance on CNN’s First of All podcast with host Victor Blackwell, Johnson repeatedly dodged questions about whether he would cooperate with federal immigration enforcement.
When asked directly about his stance on blocking deportations, Johnson avoided giving a clear answer and instead launched into a lengthy critique of Trump’s policies, covering issues ranging from immigration to education and housing.
“A Disdain for People”
Opening the interview, Johnson described Trump’s policies as displaying “an incredible disdain for people” and emphasized his own focus on protecting and supporting Chicago residents. “My responsibility as Mayor of the City of Chicago is to invest in people, protect people, and connect them to resources,” Johnson said, framing his leadership as a contrast to Trump’s approach.
Johnson criticized Trump’s record on public education, affordable housing, and environmental issues, labeling the former president’s actions as harmful to working families. He also touted his administration’s achievements, such as building 3,600 affordable homes in Chicago.
The Sanctuary City Debate
When Blackwell pressed
Johnson on whether Chicago’s sanctuary city policies would prevent local police from informing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) about undocumented immigrants accused of violent crimes, Johnson again sidestepped the question.
“As a sanctuary city, this ordinance was birthed by Chicago’s first Black mayor, Harold Washington, during the Reagan administration,” Johnson said, highlighting the city’s long-standing commitment to serving as a refuge for immigrants.
Johnson dismissed Trump’s proposed immigration czar, Tom Homan, as “ignorant,” and reiterated that Chicago police officers are not federal immigration agents. However, he did not clarify whether local law enforcement would notify ICE about detained individuals accused of serious crimes.
Fact-Checking Claims
During the interview, Johnson also invoked the story of Jesus Christ, claiming he was a refugee fleeing political oppression at birth. “There are people all across this country who will celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ, who fled oppression as a refugee, as an asylum seeker,” Johnson said.
This statement has been widely disputed. Historical accounts indicate that Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem for a Roman census and taxation, not to escape persecution.
Lack of Clarity
Despite repeated questions, Johnson failed to provide a definitive answer on whether his administration would cooperate with ICE. Blackwell’s attempts to get clarity on Chicago’s sanctuary ordinances and Johnson’s enforcement policies were met with more general commentary on Trump’s broader policies, leaving the issue unresolved.
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