Chicago Bans Police Ties to Extremist Groups

The Chicago City Council voted 28-21 on Wednesday to enforce a new ordinance that bans police officers with connections to extremist and hate groups from serving in the Chicago Police Department (CPD). The measure mandates firing officers linked to groups such as the Three Percenters or Proud Boys, prohibits new hires with such ties, and introduces mechanisms to investigate police employees and applicants.

Contentious Debate

Proponents of the ordinance, like Alderman Matt Martin of the 47th Ward, pushed for its approval amidst longstanding concerns over extremism within police ranks. Martin emphasized the urgency of this step, stating, “Refusing to act because one proposal is not a silver bullet, that’s a mistake. We should do what we can, where we can with the legal tools that are available to us and we should do it now.”

“Everything’s got to be about the police, the evil police. If it’s everybody, I have no problem with it.” – Alderman Nick Sposato

Alderman Nick Sposato of the 38th Ward opposed the measure, urging that the rule should apply universally across all city departments instead of targeting the police alone.

Legal and Union Response

John Catanzara, president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, signaled plans to legally challenge the ordinance, labeling it as “ridiculous” and “unnecessary.” He asserted that the ordinance unfairly targets the police with a weak rationale highlighting their unique responsibilities, such as the authority to use lethal force.

The City’s Law Department defended the specific focus on law enforcement, arguing that due to police officers’ critical duties, such regulatory measures likelier withstand First Amendment challenges. A recent analysis cited in the Tribune underlined this position.

Context and Rationale

The initiative is in response to incidents like the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, and insights from a 2024 report by Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg. The report criticized the City’s inadequate handling of extremist influences within its police force. Alderman Martin explained that the ordinance targets activities like fundraising, recruiting, and endorsing extremist symbols, which are considered active participation in radical groups.

Mayor Brandon Johnson, in support of the ordinance, argues for the high standards police must meet. He believes the measure fosters “real trust” between officers and the community, preventing any erosion of trust in law enforcement.

Furthermore, Martin noted the broader applicability of such a measure was initially considered, but legal assessments favored a police-specific ordinance to ensure defensibility. He reiterated the unique position police officers hold in enforcing laws and carrying state-issued weapons, underscoring the rationale for the current proposal.