Trump Calls for Jailing of Windy City Leader and State Executive as Military Forces Deploy in City
Ex-President Donald Trump on midweek demanded the detainment of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of failing to protect federal immigration officers.
"Chicago's Mayor belongs behind bars for endangering Immigration agents!" Trump wrote on his platform early Wednesday. "Governor Pritzker as well!"
The two leaders identify as the Democratic faction.
Trump's statements coincide with the deployment of National Guard troops in the Chicago region under orders from the federal administration, notwithstanding strong objections from Illinois authorities such as Pritzker and Johnson.
"This marks yet another attempt where Trump attempted to have a Black man wrongfully arrested," Johnson responded on that day. "I am staying anywhere."
Pritzker also replied via social platforms, declaring: "I refuse to yield. Now Trump is calling for imprisonment of democratically chosen representatives resisting his authority. What's next on the path to complete autocracy?"
As of midweek, military troops from Texas had arrived at the Elwood army reserve center, an army base roughly 80 kilometers from the city, as the federal government pushes forward with its aggressive crime strategy and immigration enforcement operations.
Trump has called Chicago a "crime-ridden hellhole", even though official statistics indicate notable reductions in many offenses, such as homicides.
That day, 200 Texas National Guard troops were scheduled to arrive to the Chicago area, with another 300 state military forces preparing to mobilize, per sources. Authorities reportedly stated the troops would avoid police functions but would secure federal immigration agents and government buildings.
Soldiers in combat attire with state guard insignia were observed at the US army reserve center in the town. Vehicles labeled "Emergency Disaster Services" dropped off portable toilets and essential items. Trailers were set up in rows. Extra barriers was placed around the perimeter.
Aviation authorities ordered no-fly zones over the army reserve center for security reasons until early December.
Federal authorities has escalated deportation operations in the city in recent weeks, triggering demonstrations, especially near an processing facility in Broadview.
Earlier this week, Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit against the federal government, seeking to block the military dispatch, asking a court to stop what they describe as "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on the city and state, labeling it "illegal and risky".
A court hearing on their case is scheduled for Thursday.
The mayor also signed an executive order on Monday banning ICE officers and others from using municipal facilities as operation bases for deportation efforts.
Pritzker has charged the president of using military forces as "political props" and "pawns".
During a press briefing on Tuesday, he said that the president is trying to "rationalize and normalize the presence of military personnel under his direct command."
The historic Posse Comitatus Act limits the military's role in civilian law enforcement. However, Trump has said he would be willing to invoke the emergency powers, which permits a commander-in-chief to dispatch regular army in states that are failing to put down an uprising or are resisting national authority.
Since starting his second term, the president has dispatched or mentioned deploying military units to at least 10 urban centers, including major metropolitan areas and West Coast locations like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, claiming that the military presence is essential to fight violence and protect ICE officers.
Statistics indicates that serious offenses nationwide has declined in the past few years. In Chicago, for instance, murders were down nearly one-third to 278 through late summer, per police data.
A recent poll published on that day revealed that most Americans oppose the sending of troops without an foreign danger.