Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who currently holds a 14% approval rating, has publicly stated that arresting violent criminals does not reduce crime, describing incarceration as "racist, immoral, and unholy." He advocates for alternative approaches to crime reduction, such as investing in affordable housing rather than increasing police presence or jail time. This stance contrasts with recent crime reduction efforts in Washington, D.C., where arrests have reportedly lowered violent crime by over 80% in 11 days. Local residents and business owners in Chicago have expressed concern over the city's rising crime rates, reporting that children cannot safely walk in their neighborhoods due to fears of violence, kidnapping, and drive-by shootings. Chicago restaurant owners have criticized city leadership for soft-on-crime policies, citing a lack of prosecution for gun violence and unsafe conditions at night. The mayor’s approach has sparked debate amid President Donald Trump’s planned federal resource surge aimed at addressing crime in Chicago.