Trump Calls for Imprisonment of Chicago Leader and Illinois Governor as National Guard Deploy in Metropolis

Former President Donald Trump on midweek demanded the detainment of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, alleging them of not safeguarding ICE agents.

"Chicago's Mayor belongs behind bars for endangering Immigration agents!" Trump wrote on his platform Wednesday morning. "Governor Pritzker as well!"

Both officials identify as the Democratic faction.

Trump's statements come alongside the arrival of National Guard personnel in the Chicago region under orders from the federal administration, notwithstanding strong objections from Illinois authorities including the governor and mayor.

"This marks yet another attempt where Trump has sought to have an African American leader unjustly detained," Mayor Johnson stated on Wednesday. "I'm not going put."

Pritzker also replied via online channels, declaring: "I will not yield. Trump is now calling for imprisonment of elected officials checking his power. What's next on the road toward complete autocracy?"

By Wednesday morning, National Guard troops from Texas had reached the Elwood army reserve center, an army base approximately 50 miles from the city, as the administration advances with its hardline urban crime policy and immigration enforcement operations.

The president has labeled Chicago a "dangerous hellhole", despite police data indicate significant drops in many offenses, including homicides.

On Wednesday, two hundred Texas National Guard members were scheduled to arrive to the Chicago area, with an additional three hundred Illinois guard forces preparing to mobilize, per reports. Officials indicated the soldiers would not perform law enforcement duties but would protect ICE officers and their facilities.

Military personnel in combat attire with state guard patches were observed at the military facility in the town. Vehicles marked "Disaster Relief" delivered sanitation facilities and essential items. Trailers were arranged in rows. Additional fencing was placed around the compound.

The Federal Aviation Administration imposed no-fly zones over the army reserve center for security reasons until early December.

The administration has escalated deportation operations in the city in recent weeks, triggering demonstrations, especially near an processing facility in a Chicago suburb.

On Monday, Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit targeting the administration, attempting to halt the National Guard deployment, asking a federal judge to stop what they call "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, calling it "unlawful and risky".

Legal proceedings on their lawsuit is scheduled for the next day.

Mayor Johnson also issued an directive on Monday banning ICE officers and others from using city-owned property as operation bases for deportation efforts.

Pritzker has charged Trump of using military forces as "political props" and "chess pieces".

At a news conference on Tuesday, Pritzker said that Trump is attempting to "rationalize and make acceptable the presence of military personnel under his direct command."

The historic federal law limits the army's involvement in civilian law enforcement. Yet, the president has stated he would be prepared to activate the Insurrection Act, which permits a commander-in-chief to dispatch active duty military in states that are unable to put down an uprising or are defying federal law.

After beginning his second term, the president has dispatched or mentioned deploying troops to over ten urban centers, including major metropolitan areas and California cities like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, claiming that the military presence is necessary to fight violence and defend ICE officers.

Data shows that most violent crime nationwide has decreased in the past few years. In the city, for instance, murders were reduced nearly one-third to 278 through August, per police data.

A recent poll published on that day found that the majority of US citizens oppose the deployment of military forces without an external threat.

Madison Hall
Madison Hall

A tech journalist with over a decade of experience covering digital innovations and cybersecurity trends across Europe.