Chicago Mayor Orders Police Not to Cooperate with Federal Troops or Agents

CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order on Saturday directing Chicago police not to cooperate with any National Guard troops or federal agents if President Donald Trump deploys them to the city. The order comes amid Trump’s threats to expand federal enforcement operations in Democratic-led cities.

Johnson said the directive ensures police will continue enforcing state and local laws but will not assist federal patrols, arrests, or other law enforcement actions. Officers must remain in full uniform, display identification, follow body-camera protocols, and avoid masks to distinguish themselves from federal operations.

The order warns that deploying federal forces without local consent “undermines democratic norms, violates the City’s sovereignty, threatens civil liberties, and risks escalating violence rather than securing the peace.” Johnson emphasised the city is prepared and will use legal measures, including lawsuits, if necessary.

The White House dismissed the move, accusing Democrats of turning crime prevention into a partisan issue. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker noted that Trump lacks legal authority to deploy troops to the state without a formal request, though federal law enforcement officers could still be sent.

Chicago officials have received credible reports that action could arrive within days, as local authorities and residents prepare for possible deployments. The order follows Trump’s previous federal interventions in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where similar measures were taken in Democratic-led cities.

(Source: Reuters reporting and local media outlets)