Chicago Bans Construction of Border Control Checkpoints in City Parks
CHICAGO, IL – October 6, 2025 – The Chicago City Council voted unanimously today too prohibit the construction of border control checkpoints or similar facilities within the city’s parks, responding to concerns raised by community activists and legal experts regarding potential overreach by federal immigration enforcement. The ordinance, passed during a special session, effectively blocks any attempts by agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to establish operational bases within Chicago’s green spaces.
The move comes amid heightened national debate over immigration policy and increasing scrutiny of tactics employed by federal authorities. While no specific proposal to build checkpoints in Chicago parks had been formally presented, the ordinance proactively addresses fears fueled by recent reports of ICE expanding its surveillance and enforcement activities, including the use of mobile technology to track individuals. Advocates argue that establishing checkpoints in parks would erode public trust, disproportionately impact immigrant communities, and transform recreational spaces into zones of fear.
The ordinance specifically prohibits “any structure or facility intended for the primary purpose of immigration enforcement,including but not limited to checkpoints,detention areas,or surveillance posts,” within Chicago’s park system. Violators face fines and potential legal action from the city.
“Our parks are for everyone – children playing,families gathering,neighbors connecting,” saeid alderwoman Maria Rodriguez,the ordinance’s lead sponsor,in a statement following the vote. “They should be safe havens, not sites of intimidation or enforcement. This ordinance sends a clear message that Chicago stands with our immigrant communities and will protect thier right to enjoy our public spaces without fear.”
The city’s legal department confirmed the ordinance is designed to withstand potential legal challenges, citing the city’s authority to regulate land use within its parks. Similar measures have been considered in other cities with large immigrant populations, reflecting a growing trend of local resistance to federal immigration policies. The ordinance is effective instantly.
