## Chicago Police Warn Protesters: Federal Rules of Engagement Differ
Chicago’s Police Superintendent Larry Snelling warned protesters in the city that the rules of engagement for federal troops are different than for city officers.
[Video: Trump’s Chicago troop threat met with fierce pushback](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2025/08/25/USAT/85824820007-clean.jpg?crop=1919,1079,x0,y0)
Chicago city leaders adn Illinois officials are warning residents of the nation’s third-largest city to keep protests from getting out of hand if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deploy the National Guard.
“When it comes to federal agents or the National Guard, these people work for the federal government and their rules of engagement are different,” Chicago police Superintendent warned at a news briefing on Aug. 27. “Keep it peaceful, try not to obstruct or become physical with federal agents or members of the National Guard.”
The warning from the city’s top cop comes as Chicagoans expect the White House to bring its immigration crackdown to the city sometime after Labor Day.
Illinois gov. JB Pritzker warned Chicagoans to expect military checkpoints with “unidentified officers in masks while taking their kids to school.” But he asked protesters to refrain from giving federal troops reason to engage.
“I know you, Chicago,” Pritzker said.”When you protest, do it peacefully, be sure to continue Chicago’s long tradition of nonviolent resistance.”
Protests that saw cars set ablaze over federal immigration enforcement are what prompted Trump to deploy the National Guard and active-duty Marines to Los Angeles.The White House deployed troops to Washington, D.C. after declaring a crime emergency, despite## Chicago Officials Prepare for potential Immigration crackdown, Pledge Non-interference with Federal Agents
Chicago officials are preparing for potential increased immigration enforcement following former President donald Trump’s recent calls for stricter measures, while together reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting the rights and safety of all residents. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has stated the Chicago Police Department will not ask individuals about their immigration status, focusing instead on ensuring everyone’s safety and access to necessary help.
“We are not going to engage in any way when it comes to immigration enforcement,” Snelling said. “But also we do not want to engage in a way were we’re obstructing federal agents; we will not interfere with the work that they’re doing.”
Snelling, who led the city’s security operations during the 2024 Democratic National Convention in Chicago, expressed hope that any potential response to increased enforcement would remain peaceful, mirroring the atmosphere of last summer’s protests.
The city’s stance aligns with its “welcoming city” ordinance, which limits cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities. The ordinance, signed into law in May 2023, prohibits city employees from providing information about a person’s immigration status to federal agencies unless required by law or a warrant.
Meanwhile, immigrant advocacy groups are proactively preparing for a potential surge in enforcement activity. The Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has increased staffing for its hotline, providing immediate assistance to those with questions or concerns, and has mobilized its rapid response teams.
“We understand that Trump is trying to turn up the temperature and in organizing we’re not going to take that bait,” said Brandon Lee, a spokesperson for ICIRR. “If we keep coming together peacefully, we’ll be able to push back and keep our families and communities safe as best we can.”
ICIRR’s rapid response teams will deploy to areas where immigration enforcement activity is reported to inform individuals of their rights during potential encounters with agents, but will not directly interfere with federal operations. The association is also focused on educating Chicago residents about their rights when faced with arrest. ICIRR provides detailed “Know Your Rights” resources on its website.
Trump has repeatedly vowed to escalate immigration enforcement if re-elected, including perhaps deploying the National Guard to the border and initiating mass deportations. NBC News reported in December 2023 that Trump has discussed plans for large-scale deportations, targeting undocumented immigrants across the country.
The situation remains fluid, and Chicago officials and advocacy groups are continuing to monitor developments and prepare for a range of potential scenarios.