A wave of frustration sweeping through the South Side of Chicago continues to build stronger after President Trump’s victory. Residents are speaking out, louder and clearer, against Mayor Brandon Johnson and his administration’s policies, accusing him of prioritizing illegal immigrants over the needs of citizens. The latest flashpoint? A fiery City Council meeting where Johnson’s proposed $300 million property tax increase was unanimously rejected, but not before residents unleashed their unfiltered grievances.
“You’re a Loser and a Criminal”
Dennis White, a lifelong South Side resident, spoke and didn’t mince words. White taunted the board, asking them how they felt about President Trump’s victory. Another resident said he hoped that the DOJ and other law enforcement would investigate Johnson.
“You’re a loser, a criminal,” a woman declared, pointing her frustration directly at Johnson. White’s sentiments were echoed by others who criticized the mayor for failing to address the city’s skyrocketing crime and economic struggles while offering extensive support to undocumented immigrants.
“You’re protecting the undocumented while citizens suffer,” Tyjuan Sims, another resident, proclaimed. “At some point, the people will take matters into their own hands if you keep ignoring us.”
Veterans Weigh In
A veteran, who identified himself as a 15-month war zone survivor, delivered a powerful plea about the same issues, 6 months ago. “I served this country, got hurt for it, and yet I see immigrants who didn’t serve getting benefits while veterans like me struggle,” he said. “This city needs to respect its citizens first. Stop turning your back on us for political games.”
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The veteran criticized the lack of prioritization for those who have sacrificed for the nation, contrasting it with Johnson’s apparent support for sanctuary city policies. “You’re funding shelters where immigrants are attacking police officers while our streets remain unsafe. It’s disgraceful,” he concluded.
Community Leaders Speak Out
Civil rights leaders and local activists joined the chorus of discontent. Jessica Jackson, a South Shore advocate, accused the administration of betrayal. “We put you there to serve us, not to siphon our hard-earned money to fund policies we never asked for. This isn’t leadership; it’s a sellout.”
Another resident added, “Immigrants cleared out from prisons in their home countries are being sent here, and now they’re causing chaos in Chicago. Meanwhile, our voices are silenced, our safety ignored, and our resources drained.”
A City Divided
The anger stems from imbalance in Johnson’s policies. Residents argue that their taxes are funding programs for undocumented immigrants at the expense of local communities. From struggling schools to underfunded law enforcement, many feel abandoned.
“You underestimated us,” said Sims. “The city is tired of your bullying tactics. You don’t know what it’s like growing up here, and it shows.”
The Road Ahead
The unanimous rejection of Johnson’s property tax increase is a symbolic victory for his critics. But the deep-seated frustrations hint at a larger political reckoning. “You’ve turned Chicago into a battlefield,” said White. “The people will remember this betrayal when it matters most—at the ballot box.”
As one resident put it, “We deserve better, and we won’t stop until we get it.”
See our other coverage of the unsettling problem that continues in Chicago:
Civil Rights for Black Americans Found with President Trump, 81-Year-Old Chicago Resident Says