October 26, 2025

Contact: Paige Censale, pcensale@haitianbridge.org

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA —-The Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA) commends Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson for his unwavering commitment to protecting immigrant communities from dehumanization and federal overreach. In an era when anti-immigrant rhetoric and enforcement tear families apart, Mayor Johnson’s leadership stands as an act of resistance and radical compassion.

Through initiatives like the “ Protecting Chicago” Executive Order  and the creation of ICE-Free Zones across schools, libraries, and city facilities, Chicago has become a model for what sanctuary truly means — not just words, but action. These steps have protected thousands of families at a time when over 51,000 new migrants have arrived in Chicago since 2022, including many Black and Haitian asylum seekers seeking safety and dignity.

Mayor Johnson’s message is clear: immigrants are not criminals — they are our neighbors, our workers, our community. His administration’s refusal to cooperate with punitive federal enforcement represents a moral stand that cities across America must emulate.

“Chicago has shown that courage in policy saves lives. Mayor Johnson is proving that leadership rooted in justice can resist cruelty and inspire hope,” said Guerline Jozef, Executive Director of Haitian Bridge Alliance. “We call on mayors and governors across the country to follow his example — to resist federal persecution and affirm that every human being, regardless of status, deserves dignity and protection.”

HBA calls on leaders from New York to Los Angeles, from Houston to Miami, to enact their own ICE-Free Zones, expand legal protections, and confront the structural racism embedded in U.S. immigration policy. The organization urges policymakers to ensure sanctuary extends beyond law — to housing, healthcare, and education for all.

Chicago’s example demonstrates that cities can lead where Washington has failed. The Haitian Bridge Alliance will continue to stand with courageous leaders who choose justice over fear, humanity over hatred, and solidarity over silence.

ABOUT HAITIAN BRIDGE ALLIANCE

Haitian Bridge Alliance (HBA), also known as “The Bridge”, is a grassroots community organization that advocates for fair and humane immigration policies, foreign policy, and provides migrants and immigrants with humanitarian, legal, and social services, with a particular focus on Black migrants, the Haitian community, women and girls, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and survivors of torture and other human rights abuses. HBA also seeks to elevate the issues unique to Black migrants and builds solidarity and collective movement toward policy change. Anpil men chay pa lou (“Many hands make the load light”). Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook: @haitianbridge