January 1, Chicago Mayor Slams Reporter Over Immigration Question

Wyatt’s Take

• Chicago’s mayor calls ‘illegal alien’ a racist term in heated exchange.
• Johnson compares use of the term to calling Black people ‘slaves.’
• ICE agents in Chicago recently faced violence and little city support.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson blasted a reporter for using the legal term “illegal alien” during a recent press conference. Johnson called the term “racist” and suggested using it was like calling Black people “slaves.”

The reporter pressed Johnson about not filing a spending report to the White House on city costs for illegal immigration. Johnson replied, “We don’t have illegal aliens,” before claiming the reporter used “some sort of sci-fi message.”

When the reporter explained the term’s legal basis, Johnson shot back, “Listen, the legal term for my people were slaves. You want me to use that term, too?”

“Let’s just get the language right,” Johnson continued. “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 posted the incident on his social media, saying, “This isn’t a sci-fi show. These are human beings. We will not abandon our humanity to score cheap political points.”

The mayor has been focused on limiting federal enforcement actions in Chicago. Earlier this month, Johnson ordered city and some private properties to become “ICE free zones,” blocking federal immigration raids.

While the city tightens its stance, federal action continues. Last month, federal agents started “Operation Midway Blitz” in Illinois, with over 1,000 arrests reported.

Violence against ICE agents is rising in sanctuary cities. In October, agents in Chicago were boxed in, rammed by vehicles, and forced to fire back after a suspect aimed a gun at them. The suspect reportedly urged others online to attack agents and was already on Border Patrol’s radar.

According to federal officials, the Chicago Police Department did not provide backup during the attack on ICE agents.

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Wyatt Matters

These clashes show just how divided the country is over the rule of law and public safety. Middle Americans know that words matter, and so do the choices our leaders make when it comes to keeping their towns safe.

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