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Chicagoans caught in narco violence in Mexico

Sunday night at least eight continue to shelter in place after car jacking and bombed car.

News

At least eight Chicagoans were sheltering in place in Puerto Vallarta on Sunday amid violent attacks throughout the region in response to the capture and death of the Mexican <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="cartel leader" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/09/trump-mexico-colombia-venezuela-strikes-maduro" data-vars-content-id="0620688d-d624-485a-9556-6d28b5f1f789" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans caught in narco violence in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/09/trump-mexico-colombia-venezuela-strikes-maduro" target="_self">cartel leader</a> known as &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="El Mencho" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/mexico-cartel-leader-el-mencho-drug-lord-killed" data-vars-content-id="0620688d-d624-485a-9556-6d28b5f1f789" data-vars-headline="Chicagoans caught in narco violence in Mexico" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/02/23/mexico-cartel-leader-el-mencho-drug-lord-killed" target="_self">El Mencho</a>.&quot;Zoom in: Lakeview resident Jonathan Pizer tells Axios that he and his husband Brad Lippitz were heading to go whale watching with two Chicago friends Sunday morning when their car was stopped.

Illinois lawmakers push back on Chicago Bears' Indiana stadium plan

IL Gov. JB Pritzker said he was surprised by the Bears' announcement Thursday.

The Chicago Bears publicly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expressed interest" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="3a84913f-bfe2-4c85-80a7-9d7f3f7a59a4" data-vars-headline="Illinois lawmakers push back on Chicago Bears&#x27; Indiana stadium plan" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" target="_self">expressed interest</a> in building a new stadium in Hammond, after Indiana lawmakers moved forward on a bill to lure them across the border.Why it matters: The &quot;Pride and Joy of Illinois&quot; could play football in a different state.

Axios Chicago poll: Should the Bears leave Illinois?

Take our ultimate poll about the continuing stadium saga in Illinois

While the Bears negotiate (again) for a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new stadium site" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" data-vars-content-id="fef5ff15-c812-4d0a-b7a0-e4dd4b38e3cb" data-vars-headline="Axios Chicago poll: Should the Bears leave Illinois?" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/indianapolis/2026/02/19/indiana-illinois-chicago-bears-stadium-deal" target="_self">new stadium site</a>, we think it&#x27;s time to get your voice involved.State of play: We have a few questions for what we are calling the &quot;ultimate, hands down, definitive Bears stadium Axios Chicago poll,&quot; otherwise known as the UHDFBSACP.

Where to celebrate Lunar New Year in Chicago this weekend

From dances to dumpling classes, here's where to ring in the Year of the Fire Horse in Chicago.

Culture

Mark the Year of the Fire Horse with art, music and food this Lunar New Year. Here are a few ways to celebrate in Chicago this weekend.

Council punts on ICE-CPD accountability vote

The ordinance could get another vote next month.

Public Safety

Some progressive alders were shocked Wednesday when a measure to let the Civilian Office of Police Accountability investigate claims of illegal cooperation between police and immigration agents got blocked by an alder who had voted for it in committee.Why it matters: The ordinance&#x27;s most vocal supporters — Alds. Jessie Fuentes, Andre Vasquez and Anthony Quezada — say it would help provide a layer of accountability around future ICE surges in Chicago that could come as early as next month.

Downtown Chicago rarely sees curfew enforcement

CPD data shows far fewer curfew apprehensions downtown than in many neighborhoods.

Over the last year, the Chicago City Council has spent hours debating the need for tighter <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="curfew laws" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/curfew-law-advances-but-social-media-crackdown-stalls" data-vars-content-id="034b3298-0d8c-4d53-a9c3-e3814d0cc0e9" data-vars-headline="Downtown Chicago rarely sees curfew enforcement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/07/curfew-law-advances-but-social-media-crackdown-stalls" target="_self">curfew laws</a> to address teen &quot;<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="takeovers,&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-shooting-teen-charged-downtown-wounded-7-tree-lighting-ceremony-police-say/18547694/" data-vars-content-id="034b3298-0d8c-4d53-a9c3-e3814d0cc0e9" data-vars-headline="Downtown Chicago rarely sees curfew enforcement" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://abc7chicago.com/post/chicago-shooting-teen-charged-downtown-wounded-7-tree-lighting-ceremony-police-say/18547694/" target="_blank">takeovers,&quot;</a> largely in the Loop and downtown.Why it matters: Opponents have warned that earlier curfews would just boost, what they assumed were, already frequent apprehensions by downtown police.<ul><li>But downtown curfew apprehensions remain rare. </li></ul>

Why DHS agents face less accountability than cops

Federal agent shootings are investigated internally, making discipline and charges far less likely.

Immigration

Investigations into the killings of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Renee Nicole Good" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" data-vars-content-id="2701df8b-3723-4474-ab50-7f23f2228d2e" data-vars-headline="Why DHS agents face less accountability than cops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/07/ice-shooting-victim-identified-renee-nicole-good-minneapolis" target="_self">Renee Nicole Good</a> or <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alex Pretti " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/25/minnesota-rare-legal-steps-investigation-alex-pretti-shooting" data-vars-content-id="2701df8b-3723-4474-ab50-7f23f2228d2e" data-vars-headline="Why DHS agents face less accountability than cops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/01/25/minnesota-rare-legal-steps-investigation-alex-pretti-shooting" target="_self">Alex Pretti </a>would likely proceed differently if a local police officer, instead of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="DHS agents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/29/axios-explains-inside-ice-superpowers" data-vars-content-id="2701df8b-3723-4474-ab50-7f23f2228d2e" data-vars-headline="Why DHS agents face less accountability than cops" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/06/29/axios-explains-inside-ice-superpowers" target="_self">DHS agents</a>, had pulled the trigger.Why it matters: A local police shooting usually initiates a multi-agency investigation and the threat of prosecution. DHS agent shootings, however, are handled almost entirely inside the federal government — where accountability is far harder to reach.

Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics

The Illinois congressman says DHS agents must follow constitutional standards or lose funding.

Mayoral candidate and Illinois U.S Rep. Mike Quigley will reject new ICE and CBP funding unless agents change their practices on tear gas, masks, warrantless entry, body cameras and more.Why it matters: Federal immigration agents are facing growing accusations of unconstitutional conduct — from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shootings " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/14/illinois-transparent-probe-ice-shooting-franklin-park" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/14/illinois-transparent-probe-ice-shooting-franklin-park" target="_self">shootings </a>and warrantless arrests to the use of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="chemical irritants on journalists " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/illinois-chicago-sue-dhs-ice-cbp-tactics" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/illinois-chicago-sue-dhs-ice-cbp-tactics" target="_self">chemical irritants on journalists </a>and protesters — without a single known federal investigation into those actions.Zoom in: Quigley plans to introduce an amendment to the FY26 Homeland Security appropriations bill that would restrict using the funds on immigration enforcement unless DHS:<ul><li>Ends raids at &quot;sensitive locations&quot; like schools, hospitals, and courthouses</li><li>Bans agents from wearing face coverings and using chemical irritants like pepper spray on bystanders</li><li>Requires ICE and CBP to wear body cameras</li><li>Prohibits warrantless arrests</li><li>Stops Border Patrol operations in non-border states without state permission.</li></ul>Between the lines: Quigley&#x27;s attempt to withhold federal funding could succeed where local efforts to rein in DHS agents <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="have struggled " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/16/dhs-agents-court-ban-tear-gas" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/16/dhs-agents-court-ban-tear-gas" target="_self">have struggled </a>due to a supremacy clause that grants broad immunity to federal agents in the line of duty.<ul><li>Recently, though, officials including former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Lori Lightfoot " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/lightfoot-ice-accountability-investigations" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/lightfoot-ice-accountability-investigations" target="_self">Mayor Lori Lightfoot </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia&#x27;s district attorney" data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/philadelphias-threat-prosecute-ice-could-trigger-landmark-court-fight-over-authority-experts-warn" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/philadelphias-threat-prosecute-ice-could-trigger-landmark-court-fight-over-authority-experts-warn" target="_blank">Philadelphia&#x27;s district attorney</a> have challenged the scope of that immunity and insisted that DHS agents can face local investigations, in turn prompting <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="pushback." data-vars-click-url="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/philadelphias-threat-prosecute-ice-could-trigger-landmark-court-fight-over-authority-experts-warn" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.foxnews.com/politics/philadelphias-threat-prosecute-ice-could-trigger-landmark-court-fight-over-authority-experts-warn" target="_blank">pushback.</a></li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Quigley says constituents are urging him &quot;to do something,&quot; but he thinks recent calls by Illinois officials to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="defund ICE" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/17/abolish-ice-movement-illinois-democrats-delia-ramirez-juliana-stratton-patty-garcia" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/17/abolish-ice-movement-illinois-democrats-delia-ramirez-juliana-stratton-patty-garcia" target="_blank">defund ICE</a> —including one Rep. Delia Ramirez is expected to announce Wednesday — have &quot;zero chance with the majority of the public.&quot;<ul><li>&quot;What we&#x27;re offering here is a reasonable alternative, something that might actually work ... We need Homeland Security at the border and airports, but we just don&#x27;t need ICE violating the Constitution and the laws of the land,&quot; he tells Axios.</li></ul>Reality check: In a GOP-dominated Congress, Quigley&#x27;s amendment would need some Republican support.<ul><li>While aisle-crossing is rare, he notes it has grown on issues including the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Epstein files " data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/house-votes-to-release-jeffrey-epstein-files" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/11/18/house-votes-to-release-jeffrey-epstein-files" target="_self">Epstein files </a>and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ACA subsidy extensions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/house-health-care-bill-republicans-aca-subsidies-vote" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/house-health-care-bill-republicans-aca-subsidies-vote" target="_self">ACA subsidy extensions</a>, &quot;which shows the tide is turning.&quot;</li><li>Plus, recent polls show plummeting support for the administration&#x27;s immigration tactics, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="prompting questions inside the White House" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/trump-polling-immigration-approval-rating-ice-noem" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/16/trump-polling-immigration-approval-rating-ice-noem" target="_self">prompting questions inside the White House</a> on how to proceed, Axios reports.</li></ul>Zoom out: Quigley&#x27;s move happens at a time when communities across the nation, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="including Minneapolis after Renee Good&#x27;s killing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/ice-trump-minneapolis-investigation-justice-department" data-vars-content-id="0b5e2a7e-7eaf-405a-a4f5-91e4089a817a" data-vars-headline="Quigley threatens DHS funding over agent tactics" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/14/ice-trump-minneapolis-investigation-justice-department" target="_self">including Minneapolis after Renee Good&#x27;s killing</a>, are scrambling for paths to accountability.Timeline: The North Side congressman plans to debut the amendment this week once the appropriations bill is introduced. The bottom line: Quigley admits the amendment faces challenges.<ul><li>But &quot;I think we&#x27;ve got a shot at the very least,&quot; he said. &quot;It&#x27;s also messaging the public that there is a middle ground here.&quot;</li></ul>Meanwhile: On Tuesday, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul marked &quot;365 days of chaos&quot; under an administration that has targeted the state, prompting &quot;51 lawsuits and more than 100 amicus briefs that have successfully addressed a range of issues that impact Illinois residents.&quot;<ul><li>As the new year goes on, an emotional Raoul said, &quot;We are not demoralized, and we&#x27;re certainly not exhausted. We are standing our ground to defend the rights of the people of Illinois and the rule of law, and we&#x27;re winning in the courts.&quot;</li></ul>

Snow shoveling scofflaws face icy city fines

Chicago law requires sidewalks to be cleared by 10pm or 10am depending on when snow falls.

Neighborhoods

If you didn&#x27;t get your snowy sidewalk shoveled by 10pm Wednesday, you could be liable for a fine of $50-$500 per day.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Snowy, icy" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/04/bike-lanes-unplowed-snowfall-chicago" data-vars-content-id="2badbab8-0c73-4d19-9fb3-f81448a9d279" data-vars-headline="Snow shoveling scofflaws face icy city fines" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/04/bike-lanes-unplowed-snowfall-chicago" target="_self">Snowy, icy</a> sidewalks endanger everyone, but especially the elderly and people with disabilities. Plus, no one likes fines.<ul><li>Still, many remain foggy on city rules.</li></ul>

Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations

The new ICE Accountability Project aims to collect evidence for possible legal action.

Former <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mayor Lori Lightfoot" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/09/lori-lightfoot-donald-trump-harvard-worst-mayor" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/05/09/lori-lightfoot-donald-trump-harvard-worst-mayor" target="_self">Mayor Lori Lightfoot</a> says local officials have the right to investigate possible unlawful acts by federal agents, despite the supremacy clause protections afforded to federal agents while conducting official duties.Why it matters: No federal immigration officers have faced charges in Chicago despite numerous high-profile complaints of unlawful <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="shootings" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/14/illinois-transparent-probe-ice-shooting-franklin-park" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/14/illinois-transparent-probe-ice-shooting-franklin-park" target="_self">shootings</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tear-gassing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/19/daniel-biss-protesters-tear-gas-ice-broadview-agents" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/09/19/daniel-biss-protesters-tear-gas-ice-broadview-agents" target="_self">tear-gassing</a>, detentions and forced entry into homes.<ul><li>Officials are wrangling over the issue <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="in Minneapolis," data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/law-enforcement-federal-local-investigation-minnesota-fbi" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/08/law-enforcement-federal-local-investigation-minnesota-fbi" target="_self">in Minneapolis,</a> where state authorities are fighting to participate in the investigation of the fatal shooting of Renee Good by a federal agent.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: &quot;Federal immigration officers do not have blanket immunity,&quot; Lightfoot told Axios. <ul><li>&quot;While federal authorities may take control of an investigation, that does not prevent state or local officials from conducting their own investigations, gathering evidence, or holding accountable those agents who have allegedly engaged in criminal conduct or used excessive force.&quot;</li></ul>Driving the news: Lightfoot says her new <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="ICE Accountability Project" data-vars-click-url="https://reporticenow.com/" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://reporticenow.com/" target="_blank">ICE Accountability Project</a>, launched last week, &quot;exists to make sure those facts are documented and visible so accountability can occur at every level of government.&quot;Context: The project <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="joins other state" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/23/illinois-accountability-commission-federal-force-ice" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/10/23/illinois-accountability-commission-federal-force-ice" target="_self">joins other state</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="city efforts" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" target="_self">city efforts</a> to gather data, this time through an independent non-government body using non-U.S. computer servers to protect it from federal interference.What&#x27;s next: The site has already published several accounts with photos and video vetted by Lightfoot&#x27;s team of lawyers and former federal agents for journalists, nonprofits and citizens to use.<ul><li>But she says her ultimate goal is to hand over these packages of evidence to &quot;somebody with a grand jury subpoena.&quot;</li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">Media lawsuit continues</h2>Last week, Judge Sara Ellis <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="declined to dismiss a lawsuit" data-vars-click-url="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/08/judge-cites-minneapolis-ice-shooting-as-she-pauses-dismissal-of-chicago-area-use-of-force-lawsuit" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://chicago.suntimes.com/immigration/2026/01/08/judge-cites-minneapolis-ice-shooting-as-she-pauses-dismissal-of-chicago-area-use-of-force-lawsuit" target="_blank">declined to dismiss a lawsuit</a> filed by media outlets that accuse DHS of using excessive force against journalists and the public.<ul><li>Lawyers for the media companies say the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="departure of most immigration agents" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/tips-and-hot-links-bovino-could-be-leaving" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/12/tips-and-hot-links-bovino-could-be-leaving" target="_self">departure of most immigration agents</a> from the city makes the suit unnecessary.</li></ul>Yes, but dropping the case would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="nullify the temporary use-of-force" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/06/judge-ellis-dhs-use-of-force-order" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/06/judge-ellis-dhs-use-of-force-order" target="_self">nullify the temporary use-of-force</a> rules Ellis issued as part of the case, and she says Good&#x27;s death suggests they are still needed.<ul><li>DHS officials say they haven&#x27;t left Chicago and will ramp up operations later this year.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Ellis says she will study the matter further and has asked lawyers to return to her courtroom on Jan. 22.The latest: On Monday, the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="State of Illinois and Chicago sued" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/illinois-chicago-sue-dhs-ice-cbp-tactics" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2026/01/12/illinois-chicago-sue-dhs-ice-cbp-tactics" target="_self">State of Illinois and Chicago sued</a> the Trump administration, accusing it of an &quot;organized bombardment&quot; in the state disguised as immigration enforcement. <ul><li>The suit charges immigration agents with multiple unlawful activities including altering and swapping license plates on their vehicles.</li><li>State lawyers have requested that the case be assigned to Ellis because of her familiarity with the issues. </li></ul><h2 class="text-h6 !font-sans !font-normal !leading-[1.2em]">CPD and ICE</h2><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="A Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/07/14/chicago-police-superintendent-finalists" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2023/07/14/chicago-police-superintendent-finalists" target="_self">A Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability</a> (CCPSA) meeting at Thalia Hall grew tense Thursday as attendees demanded clarity on who is monitoring compliance with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Chicago&#x27;s Welcoming City ordinance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/texas-new-arrivals/home.html" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/sites/texas-new-arrivals/home.html" target="_blank">Chicago&#x27;s Welcoming City ordinance</a>, which prohibits police from assisting federal agents with immigration enforcement.<ul><li>Immigration committee chair Ald. Andre Vasquez noted that it&#x27;s been more than 200 days since ICE&#x27;s surprise arrest of people who&#x27;d shown up for routine immigration check-ins, assisted, some charge, by CPD.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Vasquez says his committee has viewed 12 hours of bodycam footage from <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="the June incident in the South Loop" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/05/protests-immigration-ice-agents-detainments-south-loop-police" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/05/protests-immigration-ice-agents-detainments-south-loop-police" target="_self">the June incident in the South Loop</a>, where officers appear to be advising &quot;agents on how to more easily transport detainees, offering to block traffic with CPD vehicles … and more. If this is not assisting ICE, it&#x27;s hard to imagine what would count as assistance.&quot;The other side: CPD said in a statement that supervisors respond to federal agent requests, and &quot;if the request is to assist in the enforcement of civil immigration law, the supervisor will decline the request.<ul><li>If the request is unrelated to civil immigration law, appropriate police action will be taken.&quot;</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: CCPSA members are requesting a hearing on the matter with CPD superintendent Larry Snelling and district commanders, and they hope to address the issue in their February meeting.Meanwhile, the Illinois Attorney General&#x27;s office <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="just released a report " data-vars-click-url="https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/08/four-illinois-sheriff-s-offices-ignored-sanctuary-laws-transferring-people-federal" data-vars-content-id="78142583-528d-4d1b-985e-7c07bba84bf8" data-vars-headline="Lightfoot says feds not immune from local investigations" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://news.wttw.com/2026/01/08/four-illinois-sheriff-s-offices-ignored-sanctuary-laws-transferring-people-federal" target="_blank">just released a report </a>saying that at least four Illinois sheriff&#x27;s offices have violated the Illinois Trust Act by turning over detainees to federal immigration agents without a federal judicial warrant.

Curfew law advances, but social media crackdown stalls

Mayor Brandon Johnson's support for the revised curfew law remains unclear.

The City Council&#x27;s public safety committee approved an enhanced curfew ordinance Wednesday but stalled a companion plan to penalize <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="social media companies" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/03/city-council-social-media-companies-accountable-public-safety" data-vars-content-id="e8249322-7c8e-4a9b-9450-8db61ed697ea" data-vars-headline="Curfew law advances, but social media crackdown stalls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/03/city-council-social-media-companies-accountable-public-safety" target="_self">social media companies</a> that promote teen &quot;trends.&quot;Why it matters: The two proposals were designed to work in tandem to curb chaotic teen gatherings, which have, at times, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escalated into violence" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/22/1-teen-killed-8-others-injured-in-downtown-shootings-friday-night/" data-vars-content-id="e8249322-7c8e-4a9b-9450-8db61ed697ea" data-vars-headline="Curfew law advances, but social media crackdown stalls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/11/22/1-teen-killed-8-others-injured-in-downtown-shootings-friday-night/" target="_blank">escalated into violence</a>. <ul><li>Now the two proposals will have to follow separate legislative paths, with support from Mayor Brandon Johnson remaining unclear. </li></ul>Catch up quick: Johnson <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="vetoed a snap curfew" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/18/chicago-mayor-veto-curfew-expansion" data-vars-content-id="e8249322-7c8e-4a9b-9450-8db61ed697ea" data-vars-headline="Curfew law advances, but social media crackdown stalls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/18/chicago-mayor-veto-curfew-expansion" target="_self">vetoed a snap curfew</a> law introduced by Ald. Brian Hopkins last year, calling it &quot;counterproductive&quot; to crime reduction. But Hopkins hopes his new version, which requires the police to announce their curfew 12 hours before activation, will get a warmer reception. <ul><li>The downtown alder cited the mayor&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="effective 10 pm curfew reminders " data-vars-click-url="https://www.wbez.org/public-safety/2025/12/30/chicago-new-years-eve-curfew-teen-takeover-brandon-johnson" data-vars-content-id="e8249322-7c8e-4a9b-9450-8db61ed697ea" data-vars-headline="Curfew law advances, but social media crackdown stalls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.wbez.org/public-safety/2025/12/30/chicago-new-years-eve-curfew-teen-takeover-brandon-johnson" target="_blank">effective 10 pm curfew reminders </a>ahead of the recent &quot;Rockin&#x27; New Year&#x27;s Eve&quot; event as proof the process can work.</li><li>But Johnson took a different message from the New Year&#x27;s success — that the city&#x27;s current 10pm curfew already works if you remind people.</li><li>Hopkins&#x27; law would allow police to activate a curfew earlier than 10pm if credible teen trend threats warranted it.</li></ul>The intrigue: While Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has remained quiet on the topic recently, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="he previously had suggested" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/18/mayor-brandon-johnson-snelling-curfew-law" data-vars-content-id="e8249322-7c8e-4a9b-9450-8db61ed697ea" data-vars-headline="Curfew law advances, but social media crackdown stalls" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/06/18/mayor-brandon-johnson-snelling-curfew-law" target="_self">he previously had suggested</a> he&#x27;d welcome additional tools to prevent the teen gatherings.<figure><img alt="man in a grey suit and blue tie " height="1937" id="287a8770-7e4b-477b-9b6c-94e848f7da05" src="https://images.axios.com/PPPMO16N3BYUYQnthwuGQkEGSwg=/2026/01/07/1767821317396.jpeg" width="2751"/><figcaption>Ald. William Hall after a Wednesday public safety committee meeting. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios </figcaption></figure>Social media stall: Multiple alders raised concerns about Ald. William Hall&#x27;s plan to fine platforms that host party-promoting posts, comparing it to fining a building owner if someone posted a party flier on their wall.<ul><li>Ald. Ray Lopez said he wanted to see more emphasis on punishing the event promoters, and Hall noted that the proposal also targets them.</li><li>After the meeting where his proposal stalled, Hall got a little emotional, saying, &quot;When grown folks argue, children are always the ones that are impacted.&quot;</li><li>He plans to modify his proposal and bring it back for a committee vote.</li></ul>What&#x27;s next: Hopkins says he&#x27;ll put his ordinance up for a full council vote on Jan. 21, when he believes he can pass it.<ul><li>It&#x27;s unclear, however, whether Johnson will veto it again and whether the measure can gather 34 votes to make it veto-proof.</li></ul>

Border agents defy new sweep policy in Chicago

DHS says agents arrested 35 people around Chicago on Tuesday alone.

Last week, News Nation reported that <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S Border Patrol" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/16/cbp-raids-greg-bovino-return-chicago" data-vars-content-id="dd481392-4e6e-465f-9b94-39a5b0b0f936" data-vars-headline="Border agents defy new sweep policy in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/12/16/cbp-raids-greg-bovino-return-chicago" target="_self">U.S Border Patrol</a> agents led by Gregory Bovino would <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="halt random immigration sweeps" data-vars-click-url="https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/immigration/border-coverage/border-patrol-change-enforcement-tactics-sources/amp/" data-vars-content-id="dd481392-4e6e-465f-9b94-39a5b0b0f936" data-vars-headline="Border agents defy new sweep policy in Chicago" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.newsnationnow.com/us-news/immigration/border-coverage/border-patrol-change-enforcement-tactics-sources/amp/" target="_blank">halt random immigration sweeps</a> on sidewalks and businesses like Home Depot, and switch to targeted enforcement against &quot;individuals who have committed heinous crimes.&quot;<ul><li>The news outlet cited Department of Homeland Security sources.</li></ul>Reality check: CBP agents appear to have done the opposite multiple times this week in Chicago, where DHS officials tell Axios they arrested 35 people on Tuesday alone.

DHS statements unravel as evidence, courts contradict claims

DHS officials' statements about Operation Midway Blitz often fell apart under scrutiny.

In the heat of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Operation Midway Blitz" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" data-vars-content-id="2b38d0a6-d795-4b0e-8fb6-f36d7d95b63b" data-vars-headline="DHS statements unravel as evidence, courts contradict claims" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/chicago/2025/11/14/report-immigration-abuse-illinois" target="_self">Operation Midway Blitz</a>, officials at the Department of Homeland Security made several statements that were later disputed or disproven by video evidence and federal courts as recently as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="last week" data-vars-click-url="https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/04/prosecutors-drop-charge-against-laugh-factory-manager-arrested-during-lakeview-immigration-sweep/" data-vars-content-id="2b38d0a6-d795-4b0e-8fb6-f36d7d95b63b" data-vars-headline="DHS statements unravel as evidence, courts contradict claims" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://blockclubchicago.org/2025/12/04/prosecutors-drop-charge-against-laugh-factory-manager-arrested-during-lakeview-immigration-sweep/" target="_blank">last week</a>.Why it matters: People often only remember the initial claims, not later refutations that emerge piecemeal, making them difficult to track.

Snow lingers in bike lanes days after the storm

Officials urge patience as the city works to clear the lanes, but advocates say it should be faster.

Bike lanes across the city remain unplowed days after the recent snowfall.Why it matters: The snowy paths are treacherous for riders who risk injury or worse while cycling through them.