Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson drew a parallel between the current presidential administration and a hypothetical Confederate victory in the Civil War, criticizing the White House's operations as "raggedy." During a Wednesday press conference, Johnson responded to questions about potential testimony in Washington D.C. regarding sanctuary cities. He suggested the House Oversight Committee should focus on the White House, which he believes embodies a form of governance reminiscent of a Confederate triumph. Johnson urged Chicago residents to remain unafraid in the face of what he perceives as intimidation tactics.

He further accused the president of disregarding the Constitution and stated that any discussion about undocumented criminals should consider the historical context of slavery and colonization. Johnson reiterated his pre-administration stance, asserting that some individuals haven't accepted the Civil War's outcome. He pointed to perceived attempts to remove federal protections for vulnerable populations as evidence. This statement follows Johnson's continued opposition to the administration's immigration reforms targeting the removal of dangerous illegal immigrants. Since the start of the president's second term, executive orders have led to increased immigration enforcement and deportation raids, prompting a request from the House Oversight Committee for Johnson and other sanctuary city mayors to provide information about their policies. Sanctuary cities, which limit cooperation between local law enforcement and federal immigration authorities, are defended by supporters who argue immigration enforcement is a federal responsibility. Opponents, however, contend that such policies shield criminals and endanger the public.