Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson recently had a heated exchange with a reporter regarding the term "illegal aliens." The mayor, a Democrat, criticized the use of this legal term, calling it "racist" and suggesting that if the reporter wanted to use such language, he might as well refer to Black people as "slaves."
During a press conference, the reporter inquired about Johnson’s decision not to submit a report to the White House detailing the city’s spending on undocumented immigrants. Johnson responded emphatically, stating, “We don’t have illegal aliens,” and questioned the reporter’s choice of words.
When the reporter clarified that "illegal aliens" is a legal term for individuals who are in the country without permission, Johnson drew a parallel to slavery. He stated, “The legal term for my people were slaves. You want me to use that term, too?” He insisted on using more respectful language, saying, “We’re talking about undocumented individuals that are human beings. The last thing that I’m going to do is accept that type of racist, nasty language to describe human beings.”
Johnson later shared a clip of the exchange on Instagram, emphasizing the humanity of those without legal status and rejecting language that dehumanizes them. He stated, “This isn’t a sci-fi show. These are human beings. We will not abandon our humanity to score cheap political points.”
This incident comes amid Johnson’s efforts to limit federal immigration enforcement in Chicago. Earlier this month, he signed an executive order creating "ICE-free zones" in the city, reinforcing its status as a sanctuary city. These zones are intended to protect individuals from being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on city property and in certain private businesses.
Despite Johnson’s stance, federal immigration enforcement continues to be a contentious issue. The Trump administration recently launched "Operation Midway Blitz" in Illinois, leading to over 1,000 arrests. This operation has raised concerns about violence against ICE agents, particularly in sanctuary cities like Chicago. On October 4, ICE officers faced a coordinated attack where their vehicles were rammed, and they had to respond with defensive gunfire.
The situation highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the challenges faced by local leaders as they navigate federal enforcement actions. Johnson’s comments reflect a broader push for more compassionate language and policies regarding undocumented immigrants, while tensions with federal authorities remain high.
