Chicago Mayor Declares ‘ICE-Free Zones’ as Trump Admin Expands Immigration Raids
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Monday establishing so-called “ICE-free zones” across the city, escalating his clash with President Donald Trump over federal immigration enforcement efforts in the sanctuary city.
Flanked by local activists during a defiant press conference, Johnson said the order was aimed at “reining in this out-of-control administration,” accusing Trump of waging war on immigrants and exploiting federal power to terrorize communities. “City property and unwilling private businesses will no longer serve as staging grounds for these raids,” he declared.
The move comes as the Trump administration continues “Operation Midway Blitz,” a multi-agency crackdown on illegal immigration in Illinois. Launched last month, the operation has already resulted in over 1,000 arrests and prompted resistance from left-wing protest groups determined to obstruct Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity across the state.
But the resistance has turned violent.
On Saturday, Border Patrol agents were reportedly boxed in and rammed by at least ten vehicles in Broadview, Illinois, according to Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. When agents exited their car, they were confronted by 31-year-old Marimar Martinez, whom officials say was armed with a semi-automatic weapon. Agents fired in self-defense, wounding her.
“Federal agents were ambushed and forced to respond with defensive fire,” McLaughlin posted on X. “This wasn’t protest. This was a coordinated assault on law enforcement.”
Martinez, who had previously been flagged in a federal bulletin for threatening ICE agents and doxxing them online, was arrested and remains hospitalized. The bulletin cited her call to action on social media: “Hey to all my gang, let’s f*** those motherf***ers up, don’t let them take anyone.”
Making matters worse, sources confirmed that Chicago Police were instructed to stand down when federal agents called for backup during the incident — further straining interagency cooperation and fueling outrage in Washington.
As violence escalates, the Trump administration is expanding its federal response. The Department of War, led by Secretary Pete Hegseth, confirmed that roughly 400 National Guard troops from Texas will be deployed to both Chicago and Portland in the coming days to protect federal personnel and property.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker quickly moved to sue the federal government over the troop deployments, calling them “Trump’s invasion.” The lawsuit alleges that the administration is violating state sovereignty and using the National Guard as a political weapon — a charge the White House strongly denies.
Meanwhile, Johnson’s executive order is already drawing fire from conservatives, who argue it effectively offers safe haven to criminal aliens and places federal agents in greater danger. Critics also point to historical precedent — including the use of out-of-state National Guard troops during the civil rights era — to argue that Trump’s deployments are well within federal authority.
For now, Chicago is positioning itself as ground zero in the national battle over immigration enforcement — and Trump shows no signs of backing down.
“This administration will not be intimidated by sanctuary politicians or violent mobs,” said a senior DHS official. “We will enforce the law. Period.”