Two Chicago aldermen have introduced a bill that would repeal the city’s sanctuary law, which currently prohibits local law enforcement from cooperating with federal immigration authorities, but the liberal-dominated City Council has rejected their proposal. The effort faces bleak prospects.

Raymond Lopez and Silvana Tavares, both Democrats, proposed an amendment to the Chicago Welcoming City Ordinance that would create exceptions for immigrants who have been arrested or convicted of certain criminal acts. In a public statement, City Council members argued that it is in the best interest of the city’s immigrant community to work with the incoming Trump administration in a situation where wanted illegal immigrants are involved in violent crimes. (Related: Poll finds majority of voters in Deep Blue states think illegal immigrant criminals should be turned over to ICE)

“The best way to protect law-abiding non-citizens from the reinstated Trump administration is to work with them to arrest their priority targets: non-citizens who choose to participate in dangerous and illegal activities after entering the United States.” We believe that this is the right thing to do,” Lopez said in a statement. public statement. “Our present [Welcoming City Ordinance] Any coordination or cooperation is prohibited, even in the most heinous of circumstances. ”

“This policy is dangerous for law-abiding illegal aliens and non-citizens because federal authorities are not notified when someone is arrested or convicted,” he continued. “When the federal government searches for specific individuals seeking deportation, other law-abiding illegal aliens and noncitizens are likely to be collaterally arrested and deported. This is a completely unacceptable but avoidable situation.”

This proposal would reverse the amendments made to the Welcoming Cities Ordinance. in January 2021 This eliminated the exception to Chicago’s sanctuary policy. Previously, Chicago Police Department has been unable to provide immigration clearance if an immigrant has an outstanding criminal warrant, is listed in the city’s gang database, has been convicted of a felony, or has a pending felony. He was authorized to cooperate with the Office of Enforcement Enforcement (ICE).

The 2021 ordinance, a campaign promise of then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot, was passed by the city’s liberal majority in a 41-8 vote, according to NBC Chicago.

Chicago aldermen remain strong supporters of strict sanctuary laws. When López and Tavares proposed a similar proposal in September 2023, they failed to even get a committee hearing. According to WTTW News.

Mayor Brandon Johnson is also a major supporter of sanctuary policies. After President-elect Donald Trump’s victory in November’s election, Johnson said the city’s Sanctuary remains despite local police acknowledging that Torren de Aragua gang members are entrenched in the city. publicly reaffirmed his status and vowed to fight the incoming administration’s widespread deportation plans.

Former ICE Director Tom Homan, who was nominated by President Trump as border czar, has vowed to carry out the largest deportation operation in the country’s history and previously told the Daily Caller News Foundation that he has refused to cooperate with the agency. authorized the deployment of more ICE agents to cities that The next Border Emperor also declared his readiness to hold accountable those who illegally harbor wanted fugitives.

Lopez said he is not interested in a race between the mayor and the next president. He simply wants to keep the city safe by authorizing enforcement against criminals.

“We have no interest in the political theater of a returning President Trump or Mayor Johnson,” he said in a statement. “Our goal is to protect those who deserve protection – undocumented and non-citizen Chicago residents who are law-abiding and actively contributing to our city while waiting for their way out of the shadows. .”

“This amendment is [Welcoming City Ordinance]Although narrow in scope and specific on when they can be activated, they will keep these people safe while preserving the spirit of our city’s history and immigrant heritage,” Lopez continued. Ta.

Two aldermen plan to use parliamentary maneuvering to force the council to vote on the amendment on Wednesday.

All content produced by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent, nonpartisan news distribution service, is available free of charge to legitimate news publishers with large audiences. All republished articles must include our logo, reporter byline, and DCNF affiliation. If you have any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact us at licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org.