Overview

• On June 18, aldermen voted 27-22 to grant the police superintendent authority to declare a temporary citywide curfew on gatherings of 20 or more youths with just 30 minutes’ notice
• Brandon Johnson announced on June 19 that he will veto the council-approved measure, calling it a knee-jerk response that risks eroding trust between communities and law enforcement
• Overriding the mayor’s veto will require 34 votes in a potential July City Council session, a threshold supporters have yet to secure
• Ordinance backers led by Ald. Brian Hopkins argue the power is needed to deter high-profile teen takeovers in the Loop and Streeterville that have resulted in violence and property damage
• Civil rights organizations and youth advocates warn the policy could unfairly target Black and brown youth and do little to address the underlying causes of urban violence