Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signs order preventing police cooperation with federal agents ahead of possible deployment

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Saturday aimed at preventing local police from collaborating with federal agents or military personnel, a move intended to counter any potential attempt by the Trump administration to send National Guard troops into the city.

Johnson signed the order surrounded by city leaders and framed it as an effort to protect local law enforcement and communities.

"This is about making sure that we are prepared," Johnson told reporters, according to Reuters. He said the order offers “real, clear guidance” to city workers and to Chicago residents on “how we can stand up against this tyranny.”

The mayor said sending federal troops into Chicago would be “disrespectful to law enforcement,” praising the city’s police for working “incredibly hard” to reduce violence. He argued that Trump’s push is not about fighting crime but about “the militarization of cities.”

The order directs that Chicago police officers will not collaborate with federal agents or US military personnel on patrols or immigration enforcement. It also requires officers to wear official police uniforms, banning the use of masks, to ensure they remain distinguishable from federal forces.

Trump has proposed a federal crackdown on Democrat-led cities nationwide in an effort to combat crime and address illegal immigration, following his decision to deploy the National Guard in Washington, DC. Johnson said local officials have received reports suggesting federal action in Chicago could come within days.

The White House condemned Johnson’s order, accusing Democrats of politicizing crime.

"If these Democrats focused on fixing crime in their own cities instead of doing publicity stunts to criticize the President, their communities would be much safer," said White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson.