Chicago Mayor Condemns Use of ‘Illegal Aliens’ Term as Racist Language
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has condemned the use of the term ‘illegal aliens’ during a press briefing, calling it ‘racist’ and ‘nasty’ in a heated exchange with a reporter. The incident occurred after a reporter asked about a report on city spending related to the term, prompting Johnson to emphasize the importance of using respectful language to refer to undocumented individuals. With Rep. Pramila Jayapal backing his stance, Johnson criticized the language as offensive and highlighted the need for more compassionate discourse regarding immigration in the United States.
During the press briefing, the reporter’s use of the term ‘illegal aliens’ prompted Johnson to push back, stating that “we don’t have illegal aliens,” and that “illegal aliens” were a term from a “sci-fi message.” He emphasized that the term should be replaced with ‘undocumented individuals,’ acknowledging the humanity of those in the situation. This exchange, which was widely shared on social media, underscored the growing importance of language in shaping public perception and policy.
Rep. Jayapal, a Democrat from Washington, echoed Johnson’s comments, arguing that immigration violations are civil matters, not criminal offenses. She stated, “It is very important that people in Illinois and across the country understand the immigration system is a civil system, and undocumented presence in the United States is not a criminal offense.” This sentiment reflects a broader shift in political discourse around the treatment of undocumented immigrants, emphasizing the need for humane and equitable policies.
Johnson has long been a vocal critic of President Donald Trump’s immigration policies and his approach to crime. In a recent news conference, Johnson condemned Trump’s crackdown on crime, stating, “Jails and incarceration and law enforcement is a sickness that has not led to safe communities.” His comments align with his focus on community safety and social equity, which are often cited as central to his mayoral agenda.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has taken an aggressive stance on immigration enforcement, launching Operation Midway Blitz in response to the tragic death of Katie Abraham, a woman killed in a hit-and-run incident involving an illegal immigrant from Guatemala. The operation targets criminal illegal aliens, and DHS has stated its goal is to “target criminal illegal aliens terrorizing Americans in sanctuary Illinois.” This highlights the growing divide between local governance and federal immigration enforcement policies.
The controversy surrounding the use of ‘illegal aliens’ has sparked national debate, with political figures like Johnson and Jayapal advocating for more compassionate language, while others argue the term is accurate and necessary for public safety. Whether this shift in terminology will lead to meaningful policy change remains to be seen, as tensions continue to mount over the role of federal and local authorities in immigration enforcement.