A City Council committee is demanding more information on how and why Chicago police responded last month to calls for assistance from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers as they detained people amid protests in the South Loop.

Why it matters: As a Welcoming City, Chicago's laws severely limit local law enforcement from assisting in federal immigration actions, but CPD officers performed crowd control and some traffic enforcement at the scene.

• After an assessment of the situation, safety officials say, police left the scene.

Catch up quick: On June 4, more than 20 people enrolled in an immigration surveillance program for those seeking legal status responded to texts asking them to show up at a South Loop ICE office for a check-in.

• But once they arrived, the individuals were separated from their lawyers and taken away by ICE officers who did not identify themselves nor show their faces.

Reality check: ICE officials say the officers had final orders of removal for all of the detainees, but ICE has failed to produce any evidence to support those claims.

• Axios has filed open records requests for the documents but has not received them.

Between the lines: Rather than blaming CPD officers, Ald. Anthony Quezada (35th) said he wants "to establish trust and accountability between the [CPD] and our community residents, so that we know for future reference how Chicago police will respond."

Yes, but: Deputy mayor for community safety Garien Gatewood tells Axios the process is already clear.

• "If they call because of a disturbance — not just ICE but if any officer calls for assistance — the Chicago Police Department is going to investigate the situation, determine what needs to happen, and leave just like they did in that situation," Gatewood said.

What's next: Immigration committee chair Ald. Andre Vasquez (40th) says the committee is still awaiting more information and hopes the full City Council can craft new rules to ensure everyone knows what to expect if and when more ICE apprehensions happen.

Keep reading

Illinois' 2026 fiscal year started yesterday but more money for public transit is not in the budget, leaving transit leaders and commuters in limbo.

The big picture: The Regional Transportation Authority (RTA) and Chicago area transit leaders have been sounding the alarm on a $770 million fiscal cliff expected next year as COVID funds are set to expire, and had requested $1.5 billion from the state legislature.

• But lawmakers passed the 2026 budget without that money.

Why it matters: Short of lawmakers calling a special summer session or taking up the issue in October's veto session, RTA has one budget scenario that assumes 40% service cuts and a potential fare increase.

Reality check: Although the state's fiscal year started July 1, RTA's doesn't start until Jan. 1.

• CTA, Metra and Pace must present their budgets by mid-October and with this year's uncertainty, RTA asked each to prepare two versions — one with additional funding and one without.

What they're saying: "I don't want to give anyone false hope that there is still any way to avoid some of these negative impacts," RTA executive director Leanne Redden told the RTA board last month.

What's next: A potential fare increase could go up to 10% and would take effect after Jan. 1 if the RTA approves it.

Go deeper

Investigative reporter Ray Long has closed his notebook, retiring after almost 30 years at the Chicago Tribune.

The latest: Long, 67, announced his departure on Monday, amid the company's request for newsroom employees to consider buyouts.

The big picture: Long started at the paper in 1998, serving as the Springfield correspondent, breaking big stories on state government. He moved to the Tribune's investigative watchdog team in 2015.

• Before the Chicago Tribune, Long worked for the Associated Press, the Sun-Times and the Peoria Journal-Star, totalling over 40 years covering Illinois politics.

What they're saying: "He's made the city and state better through his work," Trib editor John Chase wrote in a staff email obtained by Axios.

Zoom in: Long sent an email to co-workers, saying in part, "Millions of people need you to succeed. Your responsibility grows each day. Drive the beat. Don't let the beat drive you."

• "Enjoy the journey. I did."

What's next

🏛️ Gov. JB Pritzker announced former state representative and deputy governor Christian Mitchell as his 2026 running mate. (Axios)

🌊 The Trump Hotel Chicago has agreed to pay a $4.8 million for violations of the Clean Water Act as part of a settlement reached with Friends of the Chicago River and the Sierra Club. (CBS)

🎭 Bob Falls is making his directorial debut at the Steppenwolf Theatre for its 50th anniversary season. (Axios)

🍕 Chicago has launched a pizza pass, because, of course it has. (Axios)

🗓️ Mark your calendar with our Event Board.

Chef BBQ at the South End of Lincoln Park Sept 4: Feast on unlimited bites from 100+ top chefs at Chef BBQ—an epic night of food & drink in support of Green City Market. Rain or shine.

Hosting an event? Email [email protected].

After years of dormancy, three prominent North Side restaurants have reopened or will reopen as weed dispensaries and pet resorts.

• If you can think of a clever quip about what that says about the city these days, send it on over.

The legendary Salt & Pepper in Lincoln Park won't feed locals 3am munchies anymore, but it could spark them now that the building houses the Umi Dispensary.

Earlier this year, it was unclear what would move into the east end of the Old Green Dolphin Street spot, but last month the building finally leapt back to life as pet club Pup Social and Dr. Green Thumb Cannabis Dispensary.

Capt'n Nemo's on Ashland, which had been covered in graffiti, was finally demolished last month.

• According to the posted building permit on the property, it's now owned by Tucker Pups, which already runs a pet resort in the Fulton Market area.

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