At a ‘No Kings’ rally in Chicago, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took a strong stance against former President Donald Trump, accusing him of using Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as a ‘personalized militarized occupying force.’ The event, held in the heart of the Windy City, attracted a crowd of hundreds who gathered to express their opposition to Trump’s policies and his perceived overreach in immigration enforcement.
Johnson’s speech was a direct critique of Trump’s administration, which he claimed prioritized political agenda over the humane treatment of immigrants. The phrase ‘personalized militarized occupying force’ was a sharp rebuke, suggesting that ICE, under Trump, had become an instrument of political control rather than a service to public safety. This rhetoric resonates with the growing movement against Trump’s immigration policies, particularly among communities affected by increased deportations and family separations during his presidency.
The rally also highlighted the political tensions within the Democratic Party, as Johnson, a rising figure in Chicago politics, positions himself as a leader willing to take a hard line against former administration policies. His comments align with the party’s broader strategy to distance itself from Trump’s legacy and push for more liberal immigration reforms. The event underscores the ongoing debate over the role of federal agencies like ICE and the need for oversight to prevent misuse of power.