It was reported in the Chicago Sun Times last week that Chicago would impose obligations on landlords to help illegal immigrants affected by the Trump executive order repealing DACA. Last Wednesday, Aldermen Mell and Ramirez-Rosa proposed an ordinance that “declares Chicago apartment buildings as sanctuary buildings off-limits to federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents”.

The proposed amendments to the Chicago Residential Landlord and Tenant ordinance would create a new protected class based on immigration or citizenship status of a tenant, prospective tenant, occupant, or prospective occupant.  Landlords could not as tenants or applicants about their immigration status nor threaten to disclose immigration or citizenship status.  The law would also require that a landlord only provide access to a residence pursuant to a valid search warrant.  Additionally, landlords would need to install deadlocks on front and rear doors of multi-unit residential buildings that automatically lock and can only be opened from the outside with a key.

Alderman Ramirez-Rosa is quoted in the article as he wants to “Move forward with addressing abuses occurring against black people by the police so that we are truly a sanctuary city that is protecting everyone,” he added, saying the ordinance “will protect immigrants from raids and strengthen protection for tenants.”

One question, who is protecting Chicago’s landlords?