Trump Demands Jailing of Chicago Leader and State Executive as National Guard Arrive in City

Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday called for the detainment of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of not safeguarding federal immigration officers.

"Chicago's Mayor should be jailed for failing to secure Immigration agents!" Trump posted on his platform Wednesday morning. "The Illinois governor too!"

Both officials are members of the Democratic faction.

These remarks coincide with the deployment of state military troops in the Chicago region under orders from the federal administration, notwithstanding strong objections from state officials including the governor and mayor.

"This marks not the first instance where Trump attempted to have an African American leader wrongfully arrested," Johnson responded on Wednesday. "I am staying put."

Pritzker also replied via online channels, stating: "I will not back down. Trump is now calling for imprisonment of democratically chosen representatives checking his power. What remains on the road toward complete autocracy?"

By Wednesday morning, military units from Texas had reached the Elwood army reserve center, an army base approximately 80 kilometers from Chicago, as the administration advances with its aggressive crime strategy and immigration enforcement operations.

The president has called Chicago a "crime-ridden disaster zone", even though official statistics indicate notable reductions in most criminal activities, including homicides.

On Wednesday, 200 state guard troops were expected to deploy to the region, with another 300 Illinois guard personnel preparing to mobilize, per reports. Authorities indicated the soldiers would avoid law enforcement duties but would secure ICE officers and their facilities.

Soldiers wearing uniforms with state guard patches were observed at the US army reserve center in Elwood. Trucks labeled "Emergency Disaster Services" delivered portable toilets and essential items. Trailers were set up in rows. Additional fencing was placed around the compound.

Aviation authorities imposed flight restrictions over the army reserve center for security reasons until early December.

The administration has escalated immigration enforcement in Chicago in the past month, triggering protests, particularly near an processing facility in a Chicago suburb.

On Monday, state and city filed a lawsuit against the administration, attempting to halt the military dispatch, asking a court to stop what they describe as "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, labeling it "illegal and risky".

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

Mayor Johnson also signed an directive on that day banning ICE officers and related personnel from using city-owned property as operation bases for deportation efforts.

The governor has accused Trump of using military forces as "staged tools" and "pawns".

During a press briefing on Tuesday, Pritzker said that Trump is attempting to "rationalize and normalize the deployment of armed soldiers under his direct command."

The nearly 150-year-old Posse Comitatus Act restricts the army's involvement in civilian law enforcement. Yet, the president has stated he would be willing to activate the Insurrection Act, which permits a commander-in-chief to send active duty military in regions that are unable to suppress an uprising or are defying federal law.

After beginning his second term, Trump has sent or discussed sending troops to at least 10 urban centers, including Baltimore; Washington DC; New Orleans and West Coast locations like Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, arguing that the armed forces is necessary to fight violence and defend immigration agents.

Statistics shows that most violent crime across the US has declined in recent years. In the city, for instance, homicides were down nearly one-third to 278 through late summer, per police data.

New survey data published on that day found that the majority of US citizens oppose the sending of troops without an external threat.

John Griffin
John Griffin

Award-winning journalist with over 15 years of experience covering UK politics and international affairs, known for insightful reporting.