CHICAGO — Mayor Brandon Johnson will defend Chicago’s status as a “welcoming city” for immigrants before the Republican-controlled U.S. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee on Wednesday in Washington, D.C.

The policy that prevents city officials (including police officers) from cooperating with federal immigration authorities has been in place, in some form, for 40 years.

1985

As President Ronald Reagan’s administration began an immigration crackdown, Mayor Harold Washington took a stand, signing an executive order declaring Chicago a “sanctuary city.”  It prevented police from sharing immigration status information with federal authorities.

“In short, what we’re saying is that the immigration authorities in legitimate pursuance of their work will have the cooperation of the city, when it goes beyond that pale, then we cannot cooperate with them. It’s just that simple.”

1989

On Mayor Richard M. Daley’s first day in office, he extended the sanctuary city policy, as local affiliate WGN’s Jim Williams reported: “Mayor Daley signed executive orders first implemented by Mayors Washington and Sawyer.”  

1992

Daley allowed Chicago police to share immigration information with the feds, if and when the subjects were involved in serious crimes.

2006

The Chicago City Council passed the “Welcoming City” ordinance.

2012

Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the city council created a so-called “carve out” in the ordinance, allowing police to work with federal officials in limited cases. 

“If you see a crime, report it. You’re a victim? Report it. The police department is not there as an adjunct for the immigration service. If you have a criminal record, that’s different,” Emanuel said.   

2017

During the first Trump administration, President Donald Trump threatened to withhold federal funds from Chicago over the issue, but Emanuel said the city wouldn’t budge.

“Chicago has always been a welcoming city,” Emanuel said. “You can cross the Pacific, the Atlantic, the Rio, and people come from all of those waterways to this city for their children and their grandchildren.”

2021

Mayor Lori Lightfoot signed an updated welcoming city ordinance closing the loopholes for cooperation opened by Daley and Emanuel and banning all police cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

“A truly welcoming city means we have to walk the walk and protect everyone’s due process rights,” Lightfoot said at the signing.

2022

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott began bussing asylum seekers to Chicago, bringing border state issues to the Midwest.

“We’re going to keep the busses going,” Abbott said.

The influx of more than 50,000 migrants overwhelmed Chicago.

“This crisis is not only exhausting our city’s resources, but it’s flat out dangerous,” Lightfoot said.

2024

Some Chicago aldermen attempted to change the ordinance, allowing for police cooperation with ICE officials.

“The best way to do that is turn over those the Trump administration is looking for those who engage in criminal behavior,” said Ald. Ray Lopez.  

2025

Under the new Trump administration, as ICE arrests began, Mayor Brandon Johnson re-affirmed the city’s commitment to being a sanctuary for immigrants a position he’ll defend in front of a congressional committee. 

“Regardless of who is in the White House, Chicago is a city that opens its arms to people from around the globe.”