Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson shut down a city meeting on his 2025 budget after residents erupted in protest. The outrage centered on extensive funding for migrants.
Johnson’s budget narrowly passed after a temporary recess. Police cleared the hall so council members could vote.
It took six weeks of debate to secure 26 votes. Opponents managed to strip out a proposed $300 million property tax hike.
The budget also includes a $40 million short-term loan, delaying debt payments. Protesters criticized the move.
"You caused all this money to go to illegal immigrants," one resident said. "Anything that you all pass is not genuine."
Another accused Johnson of failing to "protect the people of Chicago from invasion."
“He wants to pull a $40 million line of credit and put the city in even more debt,” another said. “It's your fault because you gave half of the money to illegals.”
Johnson faced heat over staffing decisions, too. Critics say he's hired over 100 staffers, each with a six-figure salary.
Chicago reporter William Kelly pointed out one glaring example. “The vice mayor, Alderman Burnett, convicted of armed robbery, is making nearly half a million dollars,” he told Fox News. “The job has no duties.”
Tensions over immigration policies have reached national levels. Trump’s border czar nominee, Tom Homan, sent a clear warning to Chicago.
"Chicago is in trouble because your mayor sucks and your governor sucks," Homan said. "We're going to start right here in Chicago."
"If your mayor impedes us or harbors illegal aliens, I will prosecute him," he threatened.