DOJ threatens action against Chicago officials who interfere with immigration orders
A memo issued by the Justice Department calls for local officials who interfere with President Trump’s sweeping immigration orders to be investigated.
In the days since President Donald Trump took office, hundreds of immigrants have already been arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Now, a memorandum issued by the U.S. Department of Justice is calling for state and local officials who interfere with the White House’s sweeping immigration orders—to be investigated.
What we know:
The memo, sent to all DOJ employees on Tuesday, also warns that officials could face criminal charges if they don’t comply.
Some feel it is a scare tactic to convince cities, like Chicago, to abide by the immigration crackdown, but only time will tell whether local officials will actually be prosecuted if they don’t.
The Chicago angle:
Chicago has long been a sanctuary city, providing protections for immigrants regardless of their legal status. Likewise, the TRUST Act generally prohibits local law enforcement in Illinois from participating in immigration enforcement, according to the Office of Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
“Many people believe this is an attempt to target local officials in cities like Chicago,” said Nicole Hallett, clinical professor of law, University of Chicago Law School.
Chicago officials, including Mayor Brandon Johnson and Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th Ward)—who chairs the Committee on Immigrant and Refugee Rights—are holding firm that they will not assist ICE agents amid border czar Tom Homan’s plans for mass deportations.
Why you should care:
The memo highlights growing tensions between federal immigration policies and local governments, especially in sanctuary cities like Chicago.
Chicago officials have issued guidance to city agencies on how to handle possible visits from ICE, reiterating that under the Welcoming City Ordinance, city employees are not allowed to aid immigration enforcement.
Conclusion:
The Justice Department’s memo is a clear warning to local officials in Chicago and other sanctuary cities: comply with federal immigration policies or face consequences. The memo may be seen as a scare tactic, but the impact on local officials and communities is very real.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What does the memo say?
A: The memo calls for local officials who interfere with President Trump’s immigration orders to be investigated and warns that they could face criminal charges if they don’t comply.
Q: Which cities are considered sanctuary cities?
A: Chicago is one example of a sanctuary city, but there are many others across the United States that provide protections for immigrants regardless of their legal status.
Q: What are the implications of the memo?
A: The memo highlights growing tensions between federal immigration policies and local governments, and could lead to increased conflict and legal battles between the federal government and local officials.
