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A Chicago alderman is raising concerns over a surge in youth-led disruptions occurring under Democrat Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration, claiming that law enforcement is hindered from effectively intervening.
Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez, also a Democrat, expressed to Fox News Digital that unless the mayor addresses the issue, the city faces a potentially “long and harsh” summer plagued by these youth and street disruptions. Lopez pointed out that current Chicago policies limit police from adequately dealing with the recurring disturbances.
“Mayor Brandon Johnson seems to be falling short in curbing these activities,” Lopez remarked. “Chicago has transformed into a hotspot for unlawful street gatherings, attracting large numbers of young people who converge on specific areas. Whether it involves criminal group actions or unauthorized vehicle takeovers, individuals are drawn here with the understanding that such actions are tolerated.”
Lopez added, “They are aware that they can often escape consequences, and frustratingly, our police are frequently restricted in their ability to intervene effectively at these events.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson addresses the media during a press briefing at Chicago City Hall on February 25, 2025. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service)
Lopez said that Chicago police officers are not allowed to “fully engage” with those participating in teen takeovers and do what’s needed to stop them.
“We’ve never done what it takes to authorize our officers to fully engage with these individuals, to box them in, to corral them so that they can’t escape, to arrest them, to impound their vehicles like the law requires us to do,” Lopez said. “And we have never really pursued who is behind the promotions of these events on social media. We know that they are spread online through Facebook, Snapchat, Instagram, and others, but yet we do almost nothing to find who is at the root of those posts of these gatherings.”
Lopez’s remarks come after no arrests were made at a South Side street takeover over the weekend, underscoring his complaints about a lack of accountability for organizers.
Video taken from Chicago’s Gresham neighborhood over the weekend shows a large group of people surrounding a totaled car on fire, according to ABC 7 News. One individual was seen throwing an object into the car, engulfed in flames, which exploded seconds later.
A large group of teens floods downtown Chicago’s Loop, leading to fights and police response before a curfew enforcement order disperses the crowd. (Justin/Fox 32 Chicago)
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson last week avoided using the term “takeover” in a social media post, instead warning residents of a possible “teen trend” that was set to take place on the city’s South Side.
“Chicago, there are credible reports of a teen trend forming in Hyde Park later today,” Johnson wrote on X. “Parents, be aware of where your children are going this evening. DO NOT allow your children to attend one of these gatherings; they are dangerous and can often turn violent.”
“Together we can keep our youth and our communities safe,” Johnson added.
Video from a March 30 teen takeover showed a large crowd of people climbing on cars, crowding streets and sidewalks and dancing at intersections.
Democratic Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez discusses the rise in crime in Chicago on Fox News’ America Reports. (Fox News)
During that teen takeover, three curfew violations were issued and one 16-year-old girl was arrested on charges of unlawful possession of a weapon and disorderly conduct.
Jason Hale, a resident of Chicago’s Hyde Park, told Fox 32 that his car was one of 30 vehicles damaged during a teen takeover in his area.
Chicago police detain an individual during a chaotic teen takeover in the Loop, making multiple arrests and issuing curfew violations following reports of violence and disorder. (Justin/Fox 32 Chicago)
“Yeah, it’s bad. The hood is messed up, terrible. A thousand worth of damage, dents everywhere, footprints everywhere,” he said.
Fox News Digital reached out to Johnson’s office for comment.