Chicago mayor lashes out at reporter over ‘illegal alien’ term: ‘Racist, nasty language’
In a heated exchange during a recent press briefing, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson took a firm stand against the use of the term “illegal aliens,” labeling it as “racist” and “nasty.” The incident unfolded when a reporter referenced a report concerning city spending on undocumented individuals in Chicago, which Johnson was required to submit to the White House. Instead of addressing the specifics of the report, Johnson redirected the conversation towards the language used, emphasizing the importance of respectful terminology. “We don’t have illegal aliens,” he asserted, arguing that such phrases dehumanize individuals. He further elaborated, comparing the term to historical injustices faced by African Americans, stating, “The legal term for my people were slaves. You want me to use that term too?” His remarks were aimed at promoting a more compassionate understanding of immigration, insisting on the use of “undocumented individuals” to acknowledge their humanity.
Following Johnson’s remarks, Representative Pramila Jayapal expressed her support, reinforcing that immigration violations are civil, not criminal offenses. This conversation comes in the context of ongoing debates about immigration policy and public safety in Illinois, particularly in light of recent law enforcement operations targeting undocumented individuals. Just last week, the Department of Homeland Security conducted a significant operation in the Chicago area, resulting in the arrests of three undocumented immigrants and six U.S. citizens. This operation, dubbed “Operation Midway Blitz,” was launched in response to violent incidents involving undocumented individuals, including a tragic drunk driving case that claimed the life of Katie Abraham. Johnson has consistently criticized the punitive approach to immigration, aligning himself with progressive views that advocate for reform and a more humane treatment of immigrants.
In his budget discussions, Johnson highlighted his administration’s commitment to investing in vital community services, including education and housing, while challenging the wealthiest to contribute their fair share. His administration aims to foster a safer and more equitable Chicago, contrasting with the rhetoric often associated with tougher immigration enforcement. As debates surrounding immigration continue to intensify, Johnson’s passionate defense of respectful language and humane treatment of immigrants positions him as a prominent voice in the ongoing dialogue about how cities across the nation approach these complex issues.
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Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson erupted at a reporter on Friday after they used the term ”
illegal aliens
” during a press briefing, slamming the phrase as “racist” and “nasty.”
In a video posted Saturday to the official Instagram account of the Chicago mayor, a reporter asked Johnson about a report on city spending related to “illegal aliens” in Chicago that he was allegedly required to file with the White House.
Johnson immediately pushed back on the language.
“We don’t have illegal aliens,” Johnson said to the reporter. “I don’t know if that’s from some sort of sci-fi message that you wish you’ve had… Well listen, the legal term for my people were slaves. You want me to use that term too? So, look, let’s just get the language right. We’re talking about
undocumented individuals
that are human beings.”
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Johnson added that he would not “accept that type of racist, nasty language to describe human beings.”
The blue city’s
mayor then shifted to discuss his administration’s spending priorities, touting his $16.7 billion budget that he said invests in education, transportation, housing, environmental justice, youth employment and community safety.
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“And we are going to challenge the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share,” Johnson said.
Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., then chimed in to back Johnson’s remarks, arguing that immigration violations are not criminal offenses.
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“It is very important that people
in Illinois
and across the country understand the immigration system is a civil system,” Jayapal said. “Undocumented presence in the United States is not a criminal offense. And so thank you for the clarification on language.”
Johnson has previously been outspoken in his defense of Chicago’s immigration policies and in his criticism of President
Donald Trump
’s approach to crime and border enforcement.
Last month, the Chicago mayor delivered a fiery news conference condemning Trump’s crackdown on crime.
“Jails and incarceration and law enforcement is a sickness that has not led to safe communities,” Johnson said at the time.
Last week, three illegal immigrants and six U.S. citizens were arrested in the Chicago area in what the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) dubbed “one of the most violent days” of Operation Midway Blitz.
Operation Midway Blitz was launched last month in honor of Katie Abraham, who was killed in a drunk driving hit-and-run allegedly caused by Julio Cucul-Bol, an illegal immigrant from Guatemala.
DHS stated the goal of the operation was to “target criminal illegal aliens terrorizing Americans in sanctuary Illinois.”
The Chicago mayor’s office and Rep. Pramila Jayapal did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.
Fox News Digital’s Rachel Wolf and Alexander Hall contributed to this report.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Politics news.
