Urgent Memo Rips Mayor Johnson’s Immigration Investigation Order

UPDATE: A critical memo from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office has just emerged, challenging Mayor Brandon Johnson’s recent executive order aimed at investigating federal immigration officers for alleged misconduct. This urgent development raises significant concerns about the enforceability of the mayor’s directive, which was signed just last Saturday, September 23, 2023.

The memo, obtained by ABC7 Chicago, highlights major flaws in the mayor’s plan, asserting that it jeopardizes the integrity of criminal prosecutions against federal agents. According to the legal review, the mayor’s order mandates police to collect evidence of purported criminal actions by federal immigration officers and to refer cases to the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office for prosecution—an involvement deemed “wholly inappropriate” by legal experts.

Former federal prosecutor Ron Safer stated, “It is not the job of the executive branch, and elected officials in particular, to be telling the prosecutor which cases to prosecute.” This statement underscores the potential conflict of interest in the mayor’s approach, suggesting that the political influence could undermine the impartiality necessary for effective prosecution.

Mayor Johnson, who rallied with allies last weekend to promote accountability among federal agents during immigration enforcement actions, including the controversial Operation Midway Blitz, faces mounting pressure. The executive order’s intent was to ensure justice for any federal agents who violate laws; however, the state’s attorney’s review concluded that the mayor’s involvement could politicize prosecutions, making them vulnerable to challenges in court.

The memo explicitly states that inserting the mayor’s office into the established felony review process could harm the ability to secure convictions. The state’s attorney’s office expressed its commitment to supporting investigations into federal agents but warned that the mayor’s order creates unnecessary obstacles.

As this story develops, community members and legal experts are questioning whether the executive order could be revised to facilitate cooperation between police and prosecutors investigating potential criminal activity, particularly following recent violent incidents, including two shootings in Cook County.

In a statement, Mayor Johnson emphasized, “One thing that I’m not gonna do is interfere with justice; I’m just gonna make sure that justice is served.” However, the implications of the state’s attorney’s memo suggest a significant reevaluation of how such investigations will proceed.

Stay tuned for more updates as this urgent situation unfolds. The implications for law enforcement and community relations are profound, and the demands for clarity and accountability are louder than ever.