Archive · 19 Jun 2025
Chicago Council Approves Curfew for Minors, Mayor Vows Veto
Chicago's city council voted to allow temporary curfews for kids to stop violence, especially in the summer.
Police can make kids go home with just 30 minutes of warning if they see a group of 20 or more.
The mayor doesn't like the idea and wants to stop it because he thinks it won't work.
Some people worry it's unfair to certain kids, while others believe it's better than arresting them.
The city has seen a lot of problems with big groups of teenagers, and summer usually has more crime.
The plan is for the police chief to decide when to use the curfews.
Chicago City Council approved allowing police to enact temporary curfews for minors.
The measure allows three-hour curfews with 30 minutes' notice for groups of 20+ minors.
Mayor Brandon Johnson plans to veto the bill, citing lack of evidence for its effectiveness.
The proposal aims to reduce violence, particularly during summer months.
Civil liberties groups and some city council members oppose the measure, citing concerns about over-policing and due process.
- Who
- The Chicago City Council, Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Police Superintendent Larry Snelling are key figures.
- What
- Chicago City Council approved a measure allowing police to enact temporary curfews for minors.
- When
- The measure was approved on Wednesday.
- Where
- Chicago.
- Why
- To curb violence, especially during summer months, and manage mass gatherings of teenagers.
Those in Opposition
Those in Support
Approach to juvenile crime
Those in Opposition
The measure does not comport with legal standards and could lead to over-policing, potentially violating equal protection rights.
Those in Support
This measure provides an alternative to arresting minors and returning them safely to their families.
Effectiveness in reducing crime
Those in Opposition
Curfews lack empirical evidence to be effective in reducing violence
Those in Support
Curfews can prevent violence in the summer months.
- Curfew Length
- 3 hours
- Notice Required
- 30 minutes
- Trigger
- Gatherings of 20 or more minors
- Mayor's Stance
- Plans to veto
- Sponsor
- Brian Hopkins
- Crime Rate Change (Last Year)
- Down 12%