Amid rising concern over violent teen “takeovers” in Chicago’s Streeterville neighborhood, Alderman Brian Hopkins is proposing a stricter curfew in hopes of curbing the chaos before it escalates. Speaking on Chicago’s Morning Answer with Amy Jacobson and guest host Chris Krok, Hopkins outlined his plan for an 8:00 p.m. curfew for minors in Streeterville—a move he describes as “a small step in the right direction.”
The proposal comes after another high-profile disturbance involving hundreds of teens that resulted in property damage, threats of violence, and at least one shooting. The current citywide curfew begins at 10 p.m., but Hopkins argues that starting enforcement earlier could reduce the window for large-scale disruptions to take root.
“It’s not a miracle solution,” Hopkins said, “but I watched with my own eyes as the 10 p.m. curfew went into effect and immediately helped disperse the crowd. If we could start that process at 8, we might be able to stop these incidents before they spiral.”
Mayor Johnson Dismissive, Critics Fire Back
Mayor Brandon Johnson downplayed the frequency of the incidents last week, stating, “It’s not like this is happening every night.” Hopkins, along with show hosts Jacobson and Krok, took issue with the mayor’s response, arguing that even one violent teen gathering is too many.
“There have been 45 of these incidents since 2012,” said Hopkins, citing data from local watchdog site CWB Chicago. “This isn’t a one-off, and it’s certainly not something to brush aside.”
Johnson also called on businesses to “do more” to address the problem—an assertion that many in Streeterville find offensive, particularly small business owners caught in the chaos.
“They’re locking their doors. They’re locking their customers inside to protect them,” Hopkins explained. “Telling them it’s their fault is insulting. It’s law enforcement’s job to maintain public safety, not the job of restaurant managers.”
Accountability for Parents: A Political Third Rail?
Krok pressed Hopkins on what many believe is the root cause of the problem—absent or negligent parenting. While Hopkins agreed that parental responsibility plays a role, he noted the difficulty in prosecuting parents or guardians, especially when custody is unclear.
“Oftentimes it’s not even the parents. It could be a grandparent or an aunt who’s the guardian,” Hopkins said. “There’s some talk at the state’s attorney’s office about prosecuting those who provide minors with weapons, but proving those cases isn’t easy.”
Hopkins emphasized that the goal of his curfew proposal is not to punish teens, but to prevent situations from escalating. Under the current system, minors out past curfew can be taken into protective custody and held until a responsible adult picks them up—without being arrested or charged.
“You could arrest them for disorderly conduct or jaywalking,” he added, “but that ties up officers with paperwork and processing, taking them off the streets at a time when we’re already outnumbered.”
City Council Vote Looming
Hopkins said the proposed 8 p.m. curfew will be brought to a vote at the next City Council meeting on Wednesday, April 17. While some aldermen have already pledged support, others remain opposed, including those who have implemented other methods to reduce violence in their own wards.
“One alderman who implemented security perimeters and ID checks at 31st Street Beach is opposing my curfew, and I’m like—wait, you were allowed to act for your ward. Why can’t I act for mine?”
The proposed curfew would only apply to Streeterville, which has seen a surge in youth-led disturbances. A 2022 curfew near the Bean in Millennium Park, enacted by then-Mayor Lori Lightfoot, effectively reduced disturbances in that area, and Hopkins hopes the same can happen in his ward.
Migrant Hotel Update
Hopkins also provided an update on the former Inn of Chicago, which had been used to house migrants. He confirmed that the building is currently “mothballed” and not in use, adding that the owner made “an obscene amount of money” leasing it to the city. Hopkins hopes the hotel will return to its original purpose as affordable lodging for tourists near Michigan Avenue.
“It served a useful function before. Let’s get back to that,” he said.