🔗 Share this article

Ex-President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday called for the incarceration of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, alleging them of failing to protect ICE agents.

"Chicago's Mayor belongs behind bars for failing to secure Immigration agents!" Trump posted on social media early Wednesday. "The Illinois governor too!"

The two leaders identify as the Democratic faction.

These remarks come alongside the deployment of National Guard personnel in the Windy City area following directives from the federal administration, despite vehement protests from Illinois authorities such as the governor and mayor.

"This represents not the first instance where Trump attempted to have an African American leader unjustly detained," Mayor Johnson stated on that day. "I'm not going anywhere."

Pritzker also replied via social platforms, stating: "I will not yield. Now Trump is calling for imprisonment of democratically chosen representatives checking his power. What remains on the road toward complete authoritarianism?"

As of midweek, military units from the Lone Star State had arrived at the Elwood army reserve center, a military installation roughly 80 kilometers from Chicago, as the administration advances with its hardline crime strategy and immigration enforcement operations.

Trump has labeled Chicago a "dangerous disaster zone", despite police data indicate notable reductions in most criminal activities, such as murders.

That day, 200 state guard members were scheduled to arrive to the region, with another 300 state military forces preparing to mobilize, according to sources. Authorities indicated the troops would avoid law enforcement duties but would protect federal immigration agents and their facilities.

Military personnel wearing uniforms with Texas national guard patches were spotted at the US army reserve center in the town. Trucks labeled "Disaster Relief" dropped off sanitation facilities and essential items. Mobile units were arranged in rows. Additional fencing was installed around the compound.

Aviation authorities ordered flight restrictions over the military base for safety concerns until 6 December.

Federal authorities has intensified deportation operations in the city in recent weeks, triggering protests, particularly near an immigration center in a Chicago suburb.

On Monday, state and city initiated legal action against the federal government, attempting to halt the National Guard deployment, urging a court to stop what they describe as "Trump's long-declared 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, labeling it "illegal and dangerous".

Legal proceedings on their lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday.

The mayor also issued an executive order on Monday banning ICE officers and others from using city-owned property as operation bases for enforcement actions.

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

At a news conference on the previous day, Pritzker said that the president is attempting to "rationalize and make acceptable the deployment of military personnel under his direct command."

The historic federal law restricts the military's role in civilian law enforcement. Yet, Trump has said he would be prepared to invoke the emergency powers, which allows a commander-in-chief to dispatch regular army in states that are unable to put down an uprising or are resisting national authority.

After beginning his new administration, Trump has dispatched or discussed sending military units to at least 10 urban centers, such as Baltimore; Washington DC; New Orleans and California cities like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, claiming that the armed forces is necessary to fight violence and defend ICE officers.

Data shows that serious offenses nationwide has decreased in recent years. In the city, for instance, murders were reduced 31% to 278 through August, according to law enforcement reports.

A recent poll released on that day revealed that most Americans disapprove of the deployment of military forces without an external threat.