CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor Calls for International Action Against Human Rights Violations in the United States

In a powerful statement before members of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined municipal officials from across the country to discuss the ongoing human rights violations resulting from federal immigration enforcement and the recent cutoff of food assistance by the Trump administration.

Mayor Johnson invited independent experts from the UN to visit Chicago and witness firsthand the abuses committed by federal immigration agents. He also urged for a special session of the Human Rights Council to examine the ongoing crisis in the United States. The event, hosted by the American Civil Liberties Union, Center for Constitutional Rights, and Human Rights First, took place during the 50th Session of the Working Group for Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, Switzerland.

During his speech, Mayor Johnson emphasized that no country should be above international law and that human rights are universal. He called on the Council to hold the US government accountable for its actions and to apply the same standards of accountability as they do elsewhere in the world.

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The mayor's appearance before UN officials comes at a time when the Trump administration has refused to submit its required Universal Periodic Review report to the Human Rights Council.

Mayor Johnson also addressed another pressing issue –the recent cutoff of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. As someone who has experienced food insecurity firsthand, he spoke about how humiliating it is when there is nothing to eat in one's refrigerator. He stressed that in a country as wealthy as America, there is no excuse for allowing hundreds of thousands of people to go hungry.

The mayor also highlighted how Chicagoans are living with daily consequences of what he called a "moral failure" –the ongoing militarized immigration raids. He shared stories of families being torn apart by these raids which have targeted individuals such as daycare teachers, ride-share drivers, and restaurant cooks –honest, hardworking people who contribute to Chicago's diverse community.

The panel discussion, which was livestreamed, featured state and municipal officials including Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner, Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly Mitchell, Alaska State Commission for Human Rights Chairperson Dorene Lorenz, Los Angeles County Commission on Human Relations Executive Director Robin Toma, and New York City Commission on Human Rights Deputy Commissioner JoAnn Kamuf Ward. These leaders shared recent developments in the federal immigration crackdown and how local governments are working to uphold human rights standards in their communities.

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Mayor Johnson also spoke about the efforts of the Protecting Chicago Initiative to ensure that residents are aware of their constitutional rights and that local law enforcement adheres to Chicago's Welcoming City Ordinance. He also highlighted how Chicagoans have organized Rapid Response networks to verify sightings of federal agents, prevent the spread of disinformation, and keep their communities safe.

Despite the Trump administration's refusal to cooperate with international oversight, there have been numerous reports of federal agents using excessive force in Chicago. These include deploying tear gas on a children's Halloween parade, placing residents in chokeholds, zip-tying young children and removing them from their homes in the middle of the night, shooting pepper balls at journalists, and violently detaining a teacher at a daycare center.

Mayor Johnson's call for international action against human rights violations in the United States serves as a reminder that no one is above the law and that human rights must be protected for all individuals regardless of their immigration status. As discussions continue at the UN Human Rights Council, it is clear that local leaders like Mayor Johnson are committed to upholding these fundamental values in their communities.

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