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7h ago

Chicago Council Panel Advances COPA Authority To Probe Welcoming City Ordinance Violations

City leaders are responding to Alex Pretti’s killing by moving to enforce sanctuary protections.

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, 33rd, tears up while listening in to accounts of negative interactions with ICE communicated by Elliott Payne, president of the Minneapolis City Council, during a virtual meeting at a committee hearing on solidarity with Minnesota at Chicago’s City Hall, Jan. 27, 2026. (Chris Sweda/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • Joint City Council committees approved an amendment empowering COPA to investigate alleged breaches of the Welcoming City Ordinance, including improper cooperation with federal immigration agents.
  • Mayor Brandon Johnson said he is reviewing executive actions and legal strategies to enable investigations and potential prosecution of federal agents accused of violating city law.
  • The proposal now heads to the full City Council, with consideration discussed for Feb. 18.
  • Police Superintendent Larry Snelling expressed support for the ordinance in a statement, while aldermen noted the absence of high-ranking CPD officials at the meeting.
  • Public commenters and aldermen presented testimony and video alleging CPD coordination with ICE, underscoring calls to tighten enforcement following Pretti’s death in Minneapolis.