A mayor and congressional candidate from the Chicago area has defended his actions to prevent any cooperation with federal immigration enforcement operations, coinciding with the Department of Homeland Security's "Operation Midway Blitz" in the region.
Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, a Democrat seeking to replace retiring Representative Jan Schakowsky in 2026, stated he was unaware of the DHS's specific plans for Illinois. He also communicated his concerns and actions to residents. He mentioned receiving information from a state official suggesting that ICE might be present in Evanston.
Biss stated his actions were intended to help residents "protect themselves" from federal law enforcement. He emphasized that he had been working to protect residents even before Donald Trump's presidency, including enacting "sanctuary laws" to prevent police from assisting federal immigration enforcement. He also ordered the deactivation of Evanston's license plate cameras after learning that the data was being shared.
In a separate video, Biss described using his "rapid response training" during a Mexican Independence Day parade in Chicago to monitor for potential ICE personnel and "keep people safe from attack." He expressed concern about individuals being apprehended without warning.
Responding to criticism, Biss criticized President Donald Trump. He also stated that authoritarianism is not emerging but is already present. He concluded by encouraging solidarity and safety.
7 Comments
Fuerza
Using his 'rapid response training' is a joke. He’s more interested in political theater than actual security.
Manolo Noriega
Thank you, Mayor Biss, for having the courage to stand against hateful policies and protecting vulnerable members of our community!
Fuerza
He is putting his own personal political beliefs before the safety and security of his constituents.
Ongania
This is a blatant disregard for federal authority. Someone needs to rein him in.
Fuerza
The feds are overstepping their bounds. Biss is acting as a check and balance.
Michelangelo
The license plate cameras were likely being used to target people of color. Good riddance!
Leonardo
He’s playing politics with public safety. This isn't about protecting residents; it's about pandering for votes.