Trump Calls for Jailing of Chicago Mayor and State Executive as Military Forces Deploy in Metropolis
Former President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday called for the incarceration of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of not safeguarding ICE agents.
"Chicago's Mayor belongs behind bars for failing to secure ICE Officers!" Trump posted on his platform early Wednesday. "The Illinois governor as well!"
Both officials identify as the Democratic party.
Trump's statements come alongside the arrival of state military personnel in the Windy City area following directives from the current government, despite vehement protests from state officials such as the governor and mayor.
"This represents yet another attempt where Trump attempted to have a Black man wrongfully arrested," Johnson responded on Wednesday. "I'm not going put."
Pritzker also replied via online channels, stating: "I will not yield. Trump is now demanding arrests of elected officials resisting his authority. What remains on the road toward complete authoritarianism?"
By Wednesday morning, military units from the Lone Star State had reached the Elwood training facility, an army base approximately 50 miles from the city, as the administration pushes forward with its hardline crime strategy and immigration enforcement operations.
Trump has labeled Chicago a "dangerous disaster zone", despite police data indicate notable reductions in many offenses, including homicides.
On Wednesday, two hundred Texas National Guard members were expected to deploy to the Chicago area, with another 300 Illinois guard forces readying for deployment, according to reports. Authorities reportedly stated the soldiers would avoid police functions but would protect federal immigration agents and government buildings.
Soldiers in combat attire with Texas national guard insignia were observed at the military facility in the town. Trucks marked "Emergency Disaster Services" delivered portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were set up in rows. Extra barriers was installed around the perimeter.
Aviation authorities ordered flight restrictions over the military base for safety concerns until early December.
Federal authorities has escalated deportation operations in the city in the past month, sparking protests, particularly near an processing facility in a Chicago suburb.
On Monday, state and city initiated legal action against the administration, seeking to block the National Guard deployment, asking a court to stop what they describe as "the president's proclaimed 'Battle'" on the city and state, labeling it "unlawful and dangerous".
Legal proceedings on their lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday.
The mayor also signed an executive order on Monday prohibiting federal immigration agents and others from using municipal facilities as operation bases for deportation efforts.
Pritzker has charged the president of using troops as "political props" and "pawns".
At a news conference on the previous day, Pritzker said that the president is trying to "justify and normalize the deployment of armed soldiers under his direct command."
The historic Posse Comitatus Act restricts the military's role in enforcing domestic laws. However, the president has stated he would be willing to invoke the emergency powers, which permits a commander-in-chief to dispatch active duty military in states that are unable to put down an insurrection or are resisting national authority.
Since starting his second term, Trump has dispatched or discussed sending troops to over ten cities, including major metropolitan areas and West Coast locations like Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, arguing that the armed forces is necessary to combat crime and protect ICE officers.
Statistics shows that most violent crime nationwide has decreased in the past few years. In the city, for instance, homicides were reduced nearly one-third to under three hundred through August, according to law enforcement reports.
New survey data published on Wednesday found that most Americans disapprove of the sending of troops without an foreign danger.