A Chicago City Council committee has advanced a proposal that would prohibit police officers from affiliating with extremist or anti-government groups, setting the stage for a full City Council vote possibly as soon as Wednesday. The Workforce Development Committee approved the measure on Monday by a 6-3 vote, following several revisions and debate.

Sponsored by Alderman Matt Martin (47th), the ordinance targets Chicago police officers involved in “extremist activities,” which the measure defines as any attempt to overthrow U.S. government institutions through violence or unconstitutional means. It also bans participation in the planning, execution, or material support of hate crimes. The proposal further shifts investigative authority over related allegations from the Chicago Police Department’s internal affairs to the independent Civilian Office of Police Accountability.

Martin highlighted the ongoing national climate, citing former President Donald Trump’s 2021 pardon of individuals convicted in the Jan. 6 Capitol riot as a backdrop necessitating proactive local measures. He referenced a 2024 report from the city’s Inspector General, Deborah Witzburg, which concluded that Chicago’s management of extremism within its police force has been inadequate. Past investigations have revealed ties between police officers and far-right groups such as the Proud Boys and Oath Keepers, whose members were involved in the Capitol breach.

The move follows investigative reporting that uncovered officers listed on a leaked roster of an anti-government group, raising concerns about the department’s ability to hold such individuals accountable.

Opposition to the measure came from some aldermen who argued the ban unfairly singles out police officers. Alderman Nick Sposato (38th), a conservative and Trump supporter, cited recent protests and activism, contending that the ordinance focuses narrowly on law enforcement while ignoring other politically charged demonstrations. He called attention to the 2020 protests following the killing of George Floyd and pro-Palestinian activism as examples of extremist behavior not addressed by the proposal.

Alderman Desmon Yancy (5th) rejected these comparisons, emphasizing the distinct responsibilities and authority of armed police officers. Yancy described personal encounters with racist officers and supported the ordinance as a necessary accountability tool to prevent law enforcement involvement with extremist groups. Aldermen Derrick Curtis (18th) and Marty Quinn (13th) echoed concerns that any ban should apply to all city employees, not just police, but the measure was narrowed after legal counsel warned broader scope could raise constitutional challenges.

City Attorney Justin Edge noted the difficulty in legislating on such matters without infringing on constitutional rights, stating that limiting the policy to the police force reduces legal risk. Progressive advocates expressed concern that broad definitions of “anti-government extremism” could suppress legitimate political activism, but acknowledged that focusing solely on police officers mitigates these issues.

With committee approval secured, the ordinance is expected to proceed to a full City Council vote, reflecting heightened efforts to address extremism within Chicago’s law enforcement ranks amid ongoing national tensions.