Brandon Johnson calls ICE actions “terrorism,” likens Trump’s leadership to a Confederate-era regime.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson launched a scathing attack on President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement policies, accusing the administration of deploying federal power in a manner that echoes the Confederacy. In a fiery press conference, Johnson said the country is being run “as if the Confederacy won,” and described ICE operations as a form of “terrorism.”

“There should be no question to what our country would look like had the Confederacy won – we’re seeing it on full display,” Johnson said, arguing that Trump has undermined the federal balance of power. He claimed that the administration operates as a “one-branch” government where Congress remains silent and the judiciary has been overtaken.

Targeting House Speaker Mike Johnson by name, the mayor urged him to “speak up” and labeled him a “coward” for not challenging what he called abuses of federal authority. “There’s no check and balance. It doesn’t exist right now,” Johnson said. “Speaker Johnson, who is third in line... won’t even raise his voice.”

Johnson's remarks came in response to ongoing federal immigration enforcement raids in Chicago and other U.S. cities. He said the use of ICE to detain migrants represents the federal government imposing its will without accountability. “This is literally just using the power of the federal apparatus to insert its will on whomever,” Johnson stated.

Press Conference Turns Contentious

The press briefing turned tense when a reporter asked Johnson about his prior call for residents to “rise up” against ICE. The reporter pressed whether that language constituted a call to violence, especially amid reports of unrest and property damage in Los Angeles. “I believe in nonviolence,” Johnson replied, offering no further clarification.

Another exchange addressed the city's growing expenses related to migrant services. The reporter questioned how Johnson could justify spending taxpayer money on what he referred to as “illegal aliens,” while many residents faced rising tax burdens. Johnson responded, “We are investing in people,” before pivoting to another question without elaboration.

Johnson’s approval ratings have sharply declined amid rising criticism over his handling of immigration and city resources. A local poll cited during the event showed his support had dropped below 20% as of February, with some speculation it could be approaching single digits.

Despite the backlash, Johnson maintained his position, vowing that Chicago would remain “vigilant and firm” in opposing federal immigration tactics. He emphasized the city’s commitment to protecting what he called the “sensible” aspects of its existence.

Chicago has not elected a Republican mayor since 1931, and Johnson’s comments reflect a growing political divide between major urban centers and federal immigration authorities. While his rhetoric has drawn both criticism and concern, Johnson signaled no intention to back down from his public stance.