Ex-President Donald J. Trump on Wednesday called for the detainment of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of not safeguarding ICE agents.
"The city's leader belongs behind bars for endangering Immigration agents!" Trump posted on his platform Wednesday morning. "Governor Pritzker too!"
Both officials are members of the Democratic party.
Trump's statements come alongside the arrival of National Guard troops in the Windy City area following directives from the federal administration, notwithstanding strong objections from state officials including Pritzker and Johnson.
"This represents not the first instance where Trump has sought to have a Black man wrongfully arrested," Mayor Johnson stated on that day. "I am staying put."
The governor responded via social platforms, stating: "I refuse to back down. Trump is now calling for imprisonment of elected officials resisting his authority. What's next on the path to full-blown authoritarianism?"
As of midweek, military troops from the Lone Star State had reached the Elwood army reserve center, an army base roughly 80 kilometers from the city, as the administration pushes forward with its hardline urban crime policy and immigration enforcement operations.
Trump has labeled Chicago a "crime-ridden hellhole", despite police data indicate significant drops in most criminal activities, including homicides.
On Wednesday, two hundred Texas National Guard troops were expected to deploy to the region, with another 300 Illinois guard forces preparing to mobilize, according to sources. Officials indicated the troops would not perform police functions but would secure federal immigration agents and their facilities.
Soldiers in combat attire with state guard patches were observed at the US army reserve center in Elwood. Vehicles marked "Emergency Disaster Services" delivered portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were set up in rows. Additional fencing was placed around the compound.
The Federal Aviation Administration ordered no-fly zones over the military base for safety concerns until 6 December.
Federal authorities has escalated immigration enforcement in the city in recent weeks, sparking demonstrations, especially near an processing facility in a Chicago suburb.
Earlier this week, state and city filed a lawsuit against the administration, attempting to halt the National Guard deployment, urging a court to stop what they call "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, labeling it "illegal and risky".
A court hearing on their case is scheduled for Thursday.
The mayor also signed an directive on Monday banning federal immigration agents and related personnel from using city-owned property as operation bases for deportation efforts.
The governor has accused Trump of using troops as "staged tools" and "chess pieces".
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Pritzker said that the president is trying to "justify and normalize the deployment of military personnel under his direct command."
The historic Posse Comitatus Act limits the army's involvement in civilian law enforcement. However, Trump has stated he would be prepared to activate the emergency powers, which permits a commander-in-chief to dispatch regular army in states that are failing to suppress an insurrection or are defying national authority.
Since starting his new administration, Trump has dispatched or discussed sending troops to at least 10 cities, including Baltimore; Washington DC; New Orleans and West Coast locations like Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, arguing that the military presence is essential to fight violence and protect ICE officers.
Statistics indicates that most violent crime across the US has declined in the past few years. In the city, for instance, homicides were reduced 31% to 278 through August, per police data.
New survey data released on Wednesday found that most Americans oppose the deployment of troops without an foreign danger.
