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Chicago Mayor Johnson Faces Backlash Over ICE Abolition Endorsement

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  //humor-quirks.news-articles.net/content/2025/12 .. ces-backlash-over-ice-abolition-endorsement.html
  Published in Humor and Quirks on Tuesday, December 30th 2025 at 10:02 GMT by Fox News

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Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Doubles Down on Progressive Policies with ICE Abolition Endorsement & Controversial Snowplow Naming

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson is facing renewed scrutiny and criticism following two recent actions that underscore his commitment to progressive policies, even as they draw ire from Republicans and some moderate voices. The first involves a public endorsement of abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), while the second centers around a controversial decision to name a city snowplow "Principled Resistance." These events highlight a clear ideological stance that contrasts sharply with previous administrations and fuels debate about the direction of Chicago's governance.

The initial controversy arose from Johnson’s appearance at an event hosted by the Grassroots Collaborative, a progressive advocacy group. During his remarks, captured in video footage circulating widely online, Johnson stated he supports calls to "abolish ICE." This statement echoes a position previously held during his campaign but hadn't been as prominently voiced since taking office. ICE is the federal agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws and deporting individuals deemed to be in violation of those laws. Abolishing it would fundamentally alter the landscape of U.S. immigration enforcement, shifting responsibilities – and potentially creating significant gaps – within the system.

Johnson’s endorsement isn't entirely surprising given his history with progressive organizations. He previously served as Chief of Staff for Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, a vocal critic of ICE policies. Preckwinkle herself has been a long-time advocate for limiting cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration agencies. As reported by the Chicago Tribune in 2018, Cook County had previously ended its agreement to hold detainees for ICE, a move intended to protect undocumented immigrants from deportation. Johnson’s current stance aligns with this established progressive trend within Chicago's political sphere.

The Mayor’s office attempted to clarify his position following the initial backlash. A spokesperson stated that Johnson supports “reforming” ICE and believes the agency needs significant oversight and accountability, but stopped short of retracting the "abolish" statement entirely. This nuanced response did little to quell criticism from Republicans who accuse him of being soft on illegal immigration and endangering public safety. Illinois Republican Party Chairman Nicholas LaPorta called Johnson’s remarks “reckless” and a “danger to our communities.”

Adding fuel to the fire, Johnson's administration recently announced the naming of a city snowplow "Principled Resistance." The name was chosen through a public contest organized by the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation. The winning entry, submitted by a local resident, drew immediate criticism for its overtly political nature. “Principled Resistance” is widely interpreted as a reference to resisting oppressive systems and policies – a phrase often used within progressive activist circles.

While city officials defended the name as representing community values and highlighting the importance of standing up for what’s right, critics argue it's an inappropriate use of taxpayer resources and a blatant attempt to inject political messaging into public services. The snowplow naming contest was intended to engage residents and foster civic pride, but the chosen name has instead sparked outrage and accusations of partisan bias.

This isn't the first time Chicago’s city vehicles have been given politically charged names. In 2021, a street sweeper was named "Ruth Bader Ginsburg" in honor of the late Supreme Court Justice. However, the “Principled Resistance” name is seen by many as more overtly political and divisive than previous choices. The incident has reignited debate about the appropriate boundaries for political expression within government-funded initiatives.

The dual controversies surrounding ICE abolition and the snowplow naming reflect a broader pattern of Johnson’s administration prioritizing progressive values, even at the cost of potential public backlash. While his supporters applaud his commitment to social justice and advocacy for marginalized communities, critics worry that these policies will exacerbate existing challenges facing Chicago, including crime rates and economic instability. The Mayor's actions are likely to continue shaping the political landscape in Chicago and beyond, serving as a test case for how far progressive agendas can be pushed within an urban environment. The situation also highlights the increasing politicization of local government services and the potential for seemingly minor decisions to become flashpoints in larger ideological battles.

The Fox News article includes links to further reading on Johnson’s past statements and the broader context of ICE debates, which I've incorporated into this summary. It is important to note that these events are part of a continuing narrative surrounding Mayor Johnson’s leadership style and his commitment to progressive policies in Chicago.