DHS and Chicago Mayor Clash Over Crime Trends After Mayor’s 'Safest Summer' Claim

What the Mayor Said

Johnson has cited analysis indicating that 2025 was Chicago's safest summer in roughly 60 years, noting a report that documented 123 homicides between June and August. He argued those gains held until the start of a DHS operation he identified as 'Operation Midway Blitz' in early September.

'Chicago had the safest summer since 1965 before Bovino stepped foot in our city,' Johnson said. 'Where ICE was most active, crime went up.'

DHS Pushback

Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin and Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino strongly rejected Johnson's account. McLaughlin accused the mayor of 'demonizing' federal officers and cited department figures that — in some jurisdictions — show dramatic increases in attacks on immigration agents and thousands of arrests during the operation.

McLaughlin told reporters DHS had arrested more than 4,500 noncitizens with criminal records during the Midway Blitz and said assaults on agents had risen 'roughly 1,300%' in areas facing resistance, according to department statements.

Data, Disputes and Context

The University of Chicago's Crime Lab reported that violent crime declined across much of the U.S. in 2025, including in Chicago, though the city still had higher rates compared with many other major world cities. The competing claims hinge on how trends are measured, short‑term timing and which neighborhoods are compared.

U.S. Border Patrol Cmdr. Gregory Bovino, center, joins federal agents at the scene of a shooting in Minneapolis.(AP Images)

Cmdr. Bovino pointed to double‑digit decreases in Chicago violent crime and argued that removing violent undocumented offenders 'by the thousands' improves public safety. The exchange escalated after a post by political analyst David Axelrod and reporting about a separate federal agent‑involved shooting in Minneapolis.

High‑Profile Incident Highlighted

Mayor Johnson highlighted the fatal shooting of Mexican national Silverio Gonzalez during an encounter with federal agents last year. The Chicago Sun‑Times reported that Immigration and Customs Enforcement concluded Gonzalez allegedly resisted arrest and struck officers with a vehicle, injuring one; Rep. Jesus Garcia (D‑Ill.) later asked for a federal investigation.

Political and Public Safety Implications

The dispute reflects broader tensions between sanctuary city leaders and federal immigration enforcement over tactics, public safety metrics and political rhetoric. Officials on both sides have used selective data and individual incidents to bolster their positions, leaving the public with competing narratives about cause, effect and accountability.

Mayor Johnson later reiterated his criticism on social media and included the phrase 'Abolish ICE' while restating his contention that federal enforcement activity undermined recent reductions in violence.

Note: Reported percentages and arrest totals come from statements and releases by DHS; independent verification of some claims (for example, the precise percent increases in assaults in specific jurisdictions) may vary by source.