Mayor Says 'Proactive' Executive Action Is In Response To 'Reckless' Federal Government

CHICAGO — Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed a “Right to Protest” executive order, which seeks to protect the free speech rights of every Chicagoan and visitor, when large-scale demonstrations are anticipated

The “Protecting Chicago Initiative” ensures that even in the face of interference from federal government, Chicago police will protect Chicagoans’ First Amendment rights, while taking appropriate measures to preserve public safety.

“The city of Chicago will do everything under its control to protect our communities and defend democracy,” Johnson said Tuesday, after signing the three-page order.

The executive order comes on the heels of federal response to protesters outside an ICE detention center in suburban Broadview. Protesters were peacefully blocking vehicles from entering and exiting the facility, when they were “commanded to immediately disperse” or face arrest or “other police action,” according to news reports.

Johnson said his executive action is about being proactive “so that we are prepared for any possible large-scale demonstration in response to the increasingly reckless federal government.”

“Chicago has long been a center of civic action, from the labor uprisings of the Haymarket era to the Civil Rights movement, and today is no different,” Johnson said. “The City of Chicago has proven time and time again that we can safeguard demonstrations of any size while protecting First Amendment rights. With this Executive Order, we affirm that Chicago will remain a place where democracy and freedom reign.”