Federal Officials Push Back on Chicago and Illinois Lawsuit
Senior officials in the Trump administration sharply criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and the state of Illinois after they filed a lawsuit challenging federal immigration enforcement.
Earlier this week, Chicago and Illinois joined forces to sue the federal government. They accused immigration agents of unlawful conduct, including questioning people about citizenship without cause, using chemical agents in public areas, and making civil arrests without warrants.
However, officials at the Department of Homeland Security dismissed the lawsuit as hypocritical and politically driven.
DHS Cites Constitution and Federal Authority
Assistant DHS Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin said Democrats suddenly embraced states’ rights only when federal enforcement did not suit them.
She argued that immigration enforcement clearly falls under federal authority. McLaughlin pointed to Article I, Article II, and the supremacy clause of the Constitution.
Moreover, she mocked what she called a selective reading of the 10th Amendment. That amendment reserves powers to states only when the Constitution does not assign them to the federal government.
According to McLaughlin, Democrats push federal control when it benefits them, then reverse course when it does not.
DHS Highlights Crimes by Illegal Immigrants
McLaughlin also said Illinois leaders should focus on victims harmed by crimes involving illegal immigrants.
She cited the death of Katie Abraham, who was killed in a DUI crash by a Guatemalan national in the country illegally. DHS later named Operation Midway Blitz in Abraham’s honor.
She added that sanctuary policies have allowed violent offenders onto the streets, costing innocent lives.
White House Calls Lawsuit a Political Stunt
The White House echoed DHS criticism. Spokesperson Abigail Jackson said Chicago leaders prioritize defending illegal criminals over protecting American citizens.
Jackson described the lawsuit as a “pathetic stunt” and accused Democrats of consistently choosing criminals over law abiding Americans.
Furthermore, she argued that Chicago would be safer if its leaders focused more on public safety than on opposing federal enforcement.
Chicago Defends Legal Action
Mayor Johnson defended the lawsuit, saying it targets what he called arbitrary enforcement near sensitive locations, including schools and shelters.
City officials also alleged that federal agents trespassed on city owned property. In addition, the lawsuit claims the administration pressured local governments to abandon immigrant friendly policies.
Johnson said DHS actions were cruel and unlawful. He argued that no one, including federal agencies, stands above the law.
Illinois Attorney General Backs Challenge
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul supported the lawsuit. He accused Border Patrol and ICE of acting like occupiers rather than lawful officers.
Meanwhile, Chicago Law Department counsel Mary Richardson Lowry said her office gathered extensive evidence. She promised the city would pursue every legal option to protect residents.
