Chicago Mayor Signs Order Protecting Protest Rights

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order reaffirming the city’s commitment to protecting residents’ right to protest. Called the “Right to Protest” order, it builds on his Protecting Chicago Initiative and instructs the Chicago Police Department (CPD) to uphold First Amendment freedoms even in cases where federal law enforcement seeks to intervene.

“Chicago has long been a center of civic action, from the labor uprisings of the Haymarket era to the Civil Rights movement, and today is no different,” Johnson said. “The City of Chicago has proven time and time again that we can safeguard demonstrations of any size while protecting First Amendment rights. With this Executive Order, we affirm that Chicago will remain a place where democracy and freedom reign. Today, we proclaim that all residents and visitors can peacefully assemble, petition their government, and speak freely in our city. This executive action is about being proactive so that we are prepared for any possible large-scale demonstration in response to the increasingly reckless federal government.”

Guidance for CPD

Under the order, CPD must collaborate with protest organizers if federal agents disrupt lawful demonstrations. Together, they are tasked with creating alternative plans—such as identifying new protest sites—that enable demonstrators to continue their activities while ensuring public safety. Any plans must comply with constitutional protections while following reasonable limits on time, place, and manner.

Context and Community Impact

The move comes after incidents in which federal officers used force against protesters outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in the Chicago area.

CPD Superintendent Larry Snelling has focused on building stronger ties between police and community activists—an approach city officials credit with keeping most demonstrations peaceful and limiting disruptions in recent years.

Last year’s Democratic National Convention was highlighted as an example of protests managed effectively, with few arrests and little federal involvement.

The City Clerk’s office will publish the full text of the executive order online.