Chicago Declares “ICE-Free Zones” Amid Controversy Over Sanctuary Policy
Impact Score: 3.2
Timeline: Effective immediately on October 6, 2025
Summary: Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has designated specific city areas as “ICE-free zones,” restricting federal immigration enforcement within these zones. This policy has sparked criticism for allegedly prioritizing the protection of violent criminal illegal immigrants over public safety, aligning with a broader Democratic sanctuary city agenda. The directive affects local and federal law enforcement relations and raises concerns over campus safety, political polarization, and federal funding implications, particularly impacting institutions like Vanderbilt University.
Key Actions: Monitor immigration policy developments; engage in research and public discourse on sanctuary laws; expand immigration impact studies; develop policy analyses and foster community dialogue.
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