Former President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday demanded the incarceration of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, alleging them of not safeguarding ICE agents.
"Chicago's Mayor should be jailed for endangering ICE Officers!" Trump posted on his platform Wednesday morning. "The Illinois governor too!"
The two leaders are members of the Democratic party.
These remarks coincide with the deployment of National Guard personnel in the Chicago region under orders from the current government, despite 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," Mayor Johnson stated on Wednesday. "I am staying anywhere."
The governor responded via online channels, stating: "I refuse to yield. Trump is now calling for imprisonment of democratically chosen representatives resisting his authority. What's next on the road toward full-blown autocracy?"
By Wednesday morning, National Guard units from Texas had arrived at the Elwood training facility, a military installation approximately 80 kilometers from Chicago, as the administration advances with its aggressive crime strategy and mass deportation efforts.
Trump has labeled Chicago a "dangerous disaster zone", despite police data indicate notable reductions in many offenses, such as murders.
That day, two hundred state guard troops were scheduled to arrive to the Chicago area, with another 300 state military personnel readying for deployment, per sources. Officials indicated the troops would avoid police functions but would secure ICE officers and government buildings.
Military personnel in combat attire with state guard insignia were spotted at the military facility in the town. Vehicles marked "Disaster Relief" delivered sanitation facilities and other supplies. Mobile units were set up 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 intensified deportation operations in Chicago in recent weeks, triggering demonstrations, particularly near an immigration center in Broadview.
Earlier this week, state and city initiated legal action against the administration, attempting to halt the military dispatch, urging a court to stop what they describe as "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, calling it "unlawful and dangerous".
Legal proceedings on their case is set for Thursday.
The mayor also issued an executive order on Monday prohibiting ICE officers and others from using city-owned property as operation bases for deportation efforts.
The governor has charged the president of using military forces as "political props" and "chess pieces".
During a press briefing on Tuesday, he said that Trump is trying to "rationalize and normalize the deployment of armed soldiers 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 prepared 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 new administration, Trump has dispatched or mentioned sending troops to at least 10 urban centers, including Baltimore; Washington DC; New Orleans and California cities like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, arguing that the armed forces is necessary to combat crime and defend ICE officers.
Data shows that serious offenses nationwide has decreased in the past few years. In the city, for instance, homicides were down 31% to 278 through late summer, according to police data.
New survey data released on that day found that the majority of US citizens oppose the sending of troops without an external threat.
