Chicago blocks cooperation with looming federal immigration operation

Chicago city officials on Saturday moved to block cooperation with a looming federal immigration and public safety operation after President Donald Trump renewed threats to send federal agents and possibly National Guard troops to the city. Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order, the Protecting Chicago Initiative, directing city departments and the Chicago Police Department not to participate in joint patrols, arrests or civil immigration enforcement with federal forces and warning that federal activity could arrive within days.

The order requires Chicago police to remain in uniform, visibly identify themselves and follow body camera protocols, and it instructs city lawyers to pursue every available legal and legislative avenue to challenge federal action. Johnson said the measure was necessary because the city has "received credible reports that we have days, not weeks, before our city sees some type of militarized activity by the federal government," and he urged the White House to "stand down."

The move followed a flurry of public statements from the White House and federal officials suggesting a stepped up presence in Chicago. Department of Homeland Security...