Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson Slams Reporter for Using 'Illegal Alien' Term, Calls Language 'Racist'
The city's mayor erupted during a press briefing on Friday after a reporter used the term "illegal aliens" to describe undocumented individuals in Chicago. Johnson immediately pushed back, saying that language is "racist and nasty."
During the briefing, a reporter asked Johnson about a report on city spending related to "illegal aliens." The mayor responded by stating, "We don't have illegal aliens." He added that he doesn't know if the term was from some sort of "sci-fi message" and suggested using a different phrase. Johnson emphasized the importance of getting language right when discussing human beings.
Johnson has previously been vocal about his opposition to President Donald Trump's approach to crime and border enforcement. The Chicago mayor delivered a fiery news conference last month, condemning Trump's crackdown on crime.
The reporter who used the term "illegal aliens" later chimed in to back Johnson's remarks, arguing that immigration violations are not criminal offenses. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., echoed this sentiment, stating that undocumented presence in the US is not a criminal offense.
Johnson's comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with some praising his stance and others criticizing him for being too confrontational. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and community leaders in cities like Chicago.
The Department of Homeland Security has been conducting Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois, which aims to target criminal illegal aliens terrorizing Americans. However, some critics argue that this approach is ineffective and exacerbates racial tensions.
Johnson's administration has emphasized its commitment to investing in education, transportation, housing, environmental justice, youth employment, and community safety with a $16.7 billion budget. The city's mayor has called on the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes.
The incident highlights the complexities surrounding language and terminology when discussing immigration. Johnson's comments serve as a reminder that words have power and can either unite or divide communities.
The city's mayor erupted during a press briefing on Friday after a reporter used the term "illegal aliens" to describe undocumented individuals in Chicago. Johnson immediately pushed back, saying that language is "racist and nasty."
During the briefing, a reporter asked Johnson about a report on city spending related to "illegal aliens." The mayor responded by stating, "We don't have illegal aliens." He added that he doesn't know if the term was from some sort of "sci-fi message" and suggested using a different phrase. Johnson emphasized the importance of getting language right when discussing human beings.
Johnson has previously been vocal about his opposition to President Donald Trump's approach to crime and border enforcement. The Chicago mayor delivered a fiery news conference last month, condemning Trump's crackdown on crime.
The reporter who used the term "illegal aliens" later chimed in to back Johnson's remarks, arguing that immigration violations are not criminal offenses. Rep. Pramila Jayapal, D-Wash., echoed this sentiment, stating that undocumented presence in the US is not a criminal offense.
Johnson's comments have sparked a heated debate on social media, with some praising his stance and others criticizing him for being too confrontational. The controversy highlights the ongoing tensions between immigration enforcement and community leaders in cities like Chicago.
The Department of Homeland Security has been conducting Operation Midway Blitz in Illinois, which aims to target criminal illegal aliens terrorizing Americans. However, some critics argue that this approach is ineffective and exacerbates racial tensions.
Johnson's administration has emphasized its commitment to investing in education, transportation, housing, environmental justice, youth employment, and community safety with a $16.7 billion budget. The city's mayor has called on the ultra-wealthy to pay their fair share of taxes.
The incident highlights the complexities surrounding language and terminology when discussing immigration. Johnson's comments serve as a reminder that words have power and can either unite or divide communities.
. It's like people are using it to sound tough but really they're just perpetuating a culture of fear & hostility towards vulnerable folks. Language matters, and Mayor Johnson is right on point - we need to use words that respect human beings, not strip them of dignity. Can't we focus on solutions rather than resorting to divisive rhetoric? 
i cant even lol @ mayor johnson callin out that reporter for usin "illegal alien" term thats like totally outdated & racist 
we need to stop usin language that hurts ppl & starts confrcts. his point about words havin power is SO true u can either uplift or down ppl with the words u choose. 
. i mean think about it, if we use terms like "illegal aliens" all day, it's like we're perpetuatin the idea that these ppl r less than human, which is just not true 
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. whats even more weird is that this reporter was asking about 'illegal aliens' but theres no evidence of crimes or anything... just think its crazy how immigration policies can lead to so much drama 
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The mayor is being way too sensitive about it... I mean, come on, it's not like the reporter meant to offend anyone. Johnson's all worried about using "racist language" but honestly, can't we just talk about immigration issues without getting so touchy-feely? 
It's all just words, right? And btw, what's with all this fuss about DHS Operation Midway Blitz? Just more bureaucracy to get in the way of real progress... 
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this is so messed up! news conferences are meant to be about tackling tough issues not using hurtful language 
i feel bad for the reporter but bravo to mayor johnson for calling out racism wherever he sees it 
his point about words having power is so true, let's use inclusive language that brings people together 
Still, I do think it's a great reminder of how important it is to choose our words carefully and consider the impact they might have on others.
I mean, what's the big deal? If it's just a word, use "undocumented immigrants" instead, no need to get all worked up 
. It's not like the reporter meant any harm, just trying to get a point across. Brandon Johnson's all about being PC now 
, but some might say he's overdoing it 
. We already know we're living in a country with complex immigration issues - can't we just agree on how to talk about it? 
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. I'm glad the reporter later agreed with Johnson, and Rep. Pramila Jayapal said it too 
. And yeah, Operation Midway Blitz is a total mess 
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. The fact that Rep. Jayapal agrees with the mayor is a big deal - it's about time we start talking about this stuff in a way that's nuanced and compassionate 
. And can't we just agree to disagree on immigration policies without resorting to hurtful language? 
I mean I get it, the guy was being super confrontational but in a good way? Like he's not afraid to speak truth to power and call out racism when he sees it. I'm all for that 
and honestly I think the reporter was just trying to get a rise out of him which worked 
anyway back to Johnson, he's been vocal about his opposition to Trump's approach to crime and border enforcement and now he's taking on another issue that's super relevant - language. It's crazy how much power words have to shape our perceptions and relationships with others 
- it's not just a term, it's a whole mindset that can be super hurtful 
. and honestly, who uses that word anyway?