Chicago Mayor’s Immigration Order Faces Fierce Legal Backlash

URGENT UPDATE: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson‘s controversial executive order aimed at investigating federal immigration officers is now facing intense scrutiny from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office. A newly obtained memo reveals critical legal concerns that could render the mayor’s directive unenforceable.

Just one week after signing the order on September 16, 2023, Mayor Johnson’s initiative to hold federal agents accountable for alleged criminal behavior is unraveling as legal experts weigh in. The memo, issued Friday afternoon, underscores that the mayor’s involvement in prosecutorial decisions is inappropriate and may hinder the ability to secure convictions against federal agents.

Johnson’s executive order mandates that police gather evidence against federal officers accused of crimes during immigration enforcement, including incidents from last fall’s Operation Midway Blitz. The mayor, flanked by political allies, emphasized accountability during his announcement, stating, “One thing that I’m not gonna do is interfere with justice; I’m just gonna make sure that justice is served.”

However, the state’s attorney’s office has delivered a stark warning. They labeled the mayor’s executive order as a potential obstacle to justice, asserting that it could politicize prosecutions against federal agents. Former federal prosecutor Ron Safer articulated the risks, stating, “It is not the job of the executive branch, and elected officials in particular, to be telling the prosecutor which cases to prosecute.”

In their legal review, the state’s attorney’s office pointed out that the mayor’s directive could lead defense attorneys to argue any prosecution as politically motivated, undermining the integrity of the judicial process. The memo explicitly states, “Inserting the Mayor’s office into the already well-established process for felony review of charges jeopardizes our ability to effectively prosecute.”

Could the executive order be amended to better support law enforcement? Safer suggested that while a redraft could be possible, he remains skeptical of its effectiveness, calling the original idea “a bad idea.”

As the situation develops, the state’s attorney’s office reiterated its commitment to thoroughly investigate any allegations against federal agents, but cautioned that the mayor’s order introduces significant hurdles. The implications of this legal review could reverberate through the Chicago justice system, impacting ongoing investigations and community trust.

The mayor’s office has not yet responded to the memo’s criticisms, raising questions about the future of his executive order and its enforcement. As this story unfolds, the balance between accountability and legal integrity remains at stake in the city of Chicago.

For now, all eyes are on the mayor’s next move and whether he can navigate this legal storm while maintaining his pledge for accountability.