Sanctuary City

Brandon Johnson

person

Chicago Mayor who signed an executive order creating "ICE-Free Zones" prohibiting federal agents from using city-owned property. Directed Chicago police to investigate reports of illegal activity by ICE agents. Called for a coordinated nationwide protest movement. Characterized Trump as a tyrant.

Chicago, IL

location

Target of Operations Safeguard and Midway Blitz (1,800+ arrests). Site of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez killing and Marimar Martinez shooting. Mayor Brandon Johnson created ICE-Free Zones. Journalists shot with pepper spray bullets and tear-gassed covering protests.

Mayor Johnston resisted ICE. Threatened at Congressional hearing but not arrested. $2M legal defense bill. Early target during Operation Safeguard.

Gavin Newsom

person

California Governor who resisted ICE operations but was overridden when Trump deployed 700 Marines and ~2,100 National Guard to Los Angeles in June 2025, federalizing the Guard to bypass state authority. On September 3, 2025, U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer ruled the deployment violated the Posse Comitatus Act. On December 31, 2025, the administration announced ending LA deployments.

Jacob Frey

person

Minneapolis Mayor who pledged "unwavering" support for immigrant communities after Operation Metro Surge. Publicly challenged DHS's characterization of the Renee Good shooting. Wrote that "Minnesota needs ICE to leave, not an escalation." Subject to reported DOJ investigation along with Governor Walz.

Saw deployment of 700 Marines and ~2,100 National Guard in June 2025, overriding Governor Newsom. Judge ruled it violated Posse Comitatus Act in September 2025. Viral videos showed toddlers caught in sweeping arrests. Community defense groups organized by The Intercept.

On May 9, 2025, Newark Mayor Baraka and three Congress members were arrested at Delaney Hall ICE facility while conducting oversight. Charged with trespassing, held ~5 hours. On May 21, federal Judge Espinosa dismissed charges, calling the arrest "hasty" and "a worrying misstep." On June 3, Baraka sued federal officials for false arrest.

Denver Mayor who took a firm stance against cooperating with federal deportation. Threatened with arrest and criminal investigation at a House Oversight hearing on March 5, 2025 (not arrested). Legal defense bill reached $2 million. Stated Denver would sue if funding was withheld.

Site of Mayor Baraka's arrest at Delaney Hall ICE facility. Early target during Operation Safeguard. Maintained sanctuary policies despite federal pressure.

Ras Baraka

person

Newark Mayor arrested on May 9, 2025, at the Delaney Hall ICE facility along with three Congress members (Reps. Watson Coleman, McIver, Menendez Jr.) while attempting oversight of detained residents. Charged with trespassing. Held approximately 5 hours. On May 21, federal magistrate Judge Espinosa dismissed the charges, calling the arrest "hasty" and "a worrying misstep." On June 3, Baraka filed suit against Alina Habba and the arresting HSI officer for false arrest and malicious prosecution.

Zohran Mamdani

person

New York City elected official who upheld the city's sanctuary laws against federal pressure and organized community defense networks.