The elections were a stunner. The Left is fuming over the results.
That’s why this rogue Democrat has concocted a dangerous plan to stop Trump in his tracks.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Vows to Defend Sanctuary Status Amid Growing Concerns Over Migrant Gang Violence
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, a Democrat, vowed on Tuesday to stand firm against President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming administration and its plans to crack down on sanctuary cities and illegal immigration. Johnson’s pledge came despite rising concerns about organized crime linked to migrant gangs in Chicago, particularly those associated with the international criminal syndicate Tren de Aragua.
When asked whether he was prepared to resist Trump’s proposed measures, including the deployment of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to sanctuary cities like Chicago and efforts to withhold federal funding from cities that do not cooperate with immigration enforcement, Johnson reaffirmed his commitment to local laws that prevent cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
“We’re going to defend the people of this city because, look, his attack — let’s be very clear — the president-elect, former President Trump, his threat is not just toward new arrivals and undocumented families,” Johnson said. “His threats are also against black families.”
Johnson’s comments were made in the context of Trump’s aggressive stance on immigration. The president-elect has appointed former ICE director Tom Homan to serve as “border czar,” with responsibility for overseeing the deportation of undocumented migrants. Homan’s appointment has sparked a fierce response from critics, including Johnson, who argue that the administration’s crackdown could harm immigrant communities, particularly those seeking refuge in cities like Chicago.
To the people of Chicago: no matter who is in the White House, our city will always be a place of welcome and inclusivity. Our fight for justice and equality will never waver. pic.twitter.com/CEqjAI0ISZ
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) November 13, 2024
“We’re going to stand up and protect undocumented individuals,” Johnson continued, connecting Trump’s immigration rhetoric to broader concerns about racial animus and discrimination.
Trump’s Tough Immigration Stance and the Role of ICE
Tom Homan, the newly appointed “border czar,” has been vocal about his intentions to ramp up enforcement efforts under the incoming administration. In his first interview following his appointment, Homan issued a blunt warning to those opposing his plans. “If you are not going to help us, get the hell out of the way because we’re gonna do it,” Homan said, referring to expected resistance from Democratic politicians and sanctuary city leaders. He added, “Sanctuary cities are sanctuaries for criminals.”
Homan’s tough talk came in response to the growing political divide over immigration enforcement. With a focus on deporting undocumented migrants, particularly in sanctuary cities, Homan suggested that ICE may increase its presence in places like New York City, even if local officials resist cooperation.
America,
Watch your new Border Czar, Tom Homan, absolutely destroy AOC with nothing but facts 🔥🔥🔥
We are in good hands. pic.twitter.com/2t7qggNCfq
— TONY™ (@TONYxTWO) November 11, 2024
As Johnson and other Democrat city leaders continue to advocate for sanctuary city policies, Chicago has been grappling with an uptick in migrant-related gang violence. Reports from law enforcement officials have confirmed that members of Tren de Aragua, a violent Venezuelan criminal organization, have been arrested in Cook County — home to Chicago — on charges related to weapons and narcotics trafficking. Internal emails obtained by NBC Chicago revealed that gang members have infiltrated the city, and their presence has been linked to a surge in criminal activity.
The arrival of Tren de Aragua has raised alarms among law enforcement and community leaders, with concerns mounting about potential turf wars between the Venezuelan gang and other local gangs. According to Fox 32, there are fears that the escalating violence could lead to a dramatic increase in crime in the city, especially as Chicago continues to receive large numbers of migrants from South and Central America.
The Chicago Police Department has made at least 30 arrests of suspected Tren de Aragua members between January 2023 and September 2024, according to documents obtained by the New York Post. The gang’s violent activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and robbery, have raised further concerns as the city deals with the pressures of its ongoing migrant crisis.
Chicago’s Migrant Crisis and Its Costs
Since August 2022, Chicago has taken in more than 43,000 migrants, many of whom have been bussed into the city from Texas by Governor Greg Abbott, a staunch opponent of President Biden’s immigration policies. As the city grapples with this influx, it has already spent approximately $150 million to house and support the newcomers.
The migrant crisis, which began under the Biden administration, has put a strain on local resources, and officials have raised concerns about the long-term impacts on Chicago’s infrastructure and social services. Many of the migrants are from Venezuela, and their arrival coincides with the rise in gang activity tied to Tren de Aragua. The gang’s presence has fueled tensions over the city’s ability to manage both the humanitarian needs of migrants and the safety concerns arising from criminal activity linked to some of these migrants.
Stay tuned to the DC Daily Journal.
