Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called on Chicagoans not to be intimidated in the face of potential ICE actions targeting the city's Latine communities this weekend.
State leaders have said they believe federal authorities deliberately plan to launch increased immigration enforcement to coincide with Mexican Independence-themed events, including a celebration set for Saturday in Pilsen.
Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton even suggested during an appearance on September 2 that some people may want to stay home rather than take part.
But after visiting flood victims on the city's Southwest side Thursday afternoon, Mayor Johnson said he plans to be out in the community and urged others to join celebrations honoring Chicago's Mexican community.
"Why would I ask people to stay home? This is Chicago! It's beautiful!" the mayor told reporters at 45th and Komensky in Archer Heights. "I'm asking the city of Chicago to come together and rally around one another."
He then made reference to President Trump: "Why would we allow someone who's auditioning to become a dictator of a democracy to intimidate the soul of America, the city of Chicago?"
The mayor said police have a plan in place to help keep people safe, but the city's plan goes beyond policing.
"The community as a whole has to come together to make sure that we're keeping the peace," the mayor said, "and that if someone is working outside of our value system, we should hold them accountable."