Police unions are criticizing the Chicago Police Department after reports surfaced that officers were told not to assist federal immigration agents who came under threat from protesters.
According to National Fraternal Order of Police President Patrick Yoes and Illinois FOP President Chris Southwood, ICE agents were surrounded by a crowd after an incident in which officers reportedly fired at an armed suspect whose vehicle was part of a 10-car group that rammed and trapped federal vehicles.
The union leaders called the alleged directive “shocking” and said it violated the core principle that police officers always respond to calls for help, regardless of jurisdiction. They also blamed Illinois’ Trust Act—which restricts local involvement in immigration enforcement—for creating divisions between local and federal law enforcement.
NEW: Multiple law enforcement sources confirm to @FoxNews that Chicago police officers were instructed by their Chief of Patrol to NOT respond to Border Patrol agents call for help yesterday after they were reportedly surrounded by a large crowd of protesters following a ramming… pic.twitter.com/ipPl22Ya3I
— Bill Melugin (@BillMelugin_) October 5, 2025
Chicago officials have not confirmed the directive. DHS officials later clarified that viral footage circulating online was from a separate incident in Chicago the same day involving another vehicle ramming an ICE unit. Federal officials condemned the rising violence against immigration officers and warned that anyone attacking or blocking federal agents would face prosecution.