Aldermen in Chicago approved a measure on Wednesday that prohibits officers with connections to extremist and hate groups from serving in the city’s police department. The City Council passed the ordinance by a 28-21 vote. It mandates the dismissal of officers affiliated with organizations like the Three Percenters and Proud Boys. Additionally, the measure prevents the hiring of individuals with similar ties and introduces new investigative powers for vetting police personnel and applicants.
Opponents claimed the ordinance unfairly singles out police and suggested it should apply to all city employees. Chief proponent Ald. Matt Martin from the 47th Ward encouraged approval, arguing that action is needed now after years of discussions on extremism within the police force. Martin stated, “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.”
Ald. Nick Sposato from the 38th Ward expressed his belief that the measure should cover all city employees. “My big problem is, once again, singling out the po-po,” he remarked. “Everything’s got to be about the police, the evil police. If it’s everybody, I have no problem with it.”
John Catanzara, president of the Chicago Fraternal Order of Police, announced intentions to challenge the ordinance legally. He called the measure “ridiculous” and “unnecessary,” arguing that it targets the police force.
Martin advanced the vote following last month’s delay by opponents using a parliamentary maneuver. The measure is partly in response to the U.S. Capitol riot on January 6, 2021, and a 2024 report from Chicago Inspector General Deborah Witzburg, which criticized the city’s management of extremism within the police force. The ordinance focuses on “active participation” in radical groups, including fundraising and recruiting, or displaying extremist symbols.
Mayor Brandon Johnson supports the ordinance and spoke about the importance of trust between officers and residents. “We don’t want a situation where trust between law enforcement and community erodes,” he said. “This is going to ensure that we are moving towards a direction that I believe everybody wants us to go towards.”
The city Law Department defended the ordinance’s focus on police, stating any restriction on city employees’ speech must be “narrowly tailored” to withstand First Amendment challenges. They found that due to the unique roles and responsibilities of law enforcement, the focused approach has a stronger legal basis.
Martin explained that although he initially aimed at a broader group of workers, focusing on police was necessary for legal defensibility. He asserted, “They carry government-issued weapons, they exercise the power of the state and they are empowered and entrusted to enforce our laws every single day and in every single part of our city. This distinction matters.” He emphasized that the definition of extremist groups is “content neutral.”