Chicago Mayor Calls ICE Operation 'Kidnapping,' Igniting City-Wide Protest

Chicago Mayor Condemns ICE Operation as 'Kidnapping,' Sparking Outrage and Calls for Review Chicago, IL – Mayor Brandon Johnson has condemned an ICE operation in the city's South Loop, describing the incident as "kidnapping" and sparking outrage among city and state officials. The operation, which took place on Wednesday, involved a large number of masked, armed federal agents who detained several individuals. Video footage shows tense standoffs between ICE agents and protestors. "We saw armed, masked men walking down our streets in broad daylight, and they kidnapped mothers and fathers," Mayor Johnson stated at a press conference. "This is unacceptable, and we will not stand for it." The mayor announced a full review of the incident, while Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed similar concerns, calling the ICE tactics "inappropriate." Deputy Mayor Beatriz Ponce de Leon added, "It is concerning that there were masked, armed individuals making arrests and detaining people, sometimes pushing and shoving." Alderman Andre Vasquez also called for an investigation into the protocols used by ICE. The Chicago Police Department maintains that it was responding to calls for assistance, but the mayor and other officials are demanding answers. The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between local authorities and federal immigration enforcement in sanctuary cities like Chicago.