Chicago Mayor Bans Masked Law Enforcement Amid Federal Immigration Threats

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed a broad executive order aimed at countering President Donald Trump's threats to deploy federal immigration agents and potentially National Guard or military forces to the city. The order prohibits law enforcement officers in Chicago from wearing masks or disguises, mandates they display their agency affiliation and identification clearly, and requires body cameras to be activated during public interactions. Johnson cited credible reports indicating an imminent federal surge, possibly within days, though city and state officials have received no formal notification from the Trump administration. The mayor emphasized that the city will use all legal means to resist what he described as an unconstitutional and erratic federal incursion, pledging to protect residents from potential militarized activity, including preventing family separations and harassment of vulnerable populations. While the initiative is largely symbolic, it serves to inform Chicagoans of their rights and to hold the federal government accountable through legal challenges. The Trump administration has not responded to the executive order or the mayor's claims.