Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded the incarceration of Mayor Brandon Johnson and 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. "Governor Pritzker as well!"
The two leaders identify as the Democratic faction.
Trump's statements coincide with the deployment of state military personnel in the Chicago region following directives from the current government, notwithstanding strong objections from state officials including Pritzker and Johnson.
"This represents yet another attempt where Trump has sought to have an African American leader wrongfully arrested," Mayor Johnson stated on Wednesday. "I am staying put."
Pritzker also replied via social platforms, declaring: "I refuse to yield. Now Trump is demanding arrests of elected officials checking his power. What's next on the road toward full-blown authoritarianism?"
By Wednesday morning, military units from the Lone Star State had reached the Elwood army reserve center, a military installation approximately 80 kilometers from Chicago, as the federal government advances with its hardline urban crime policy and immigration enforcement operations.
The president has called Chicago a "dangerous hellhole", despite police data indicate notable reductions in many offenses, including murders.
On Wednesday, two hundred state guard members were expected to deploy to the region, with another 300 Illinois guard forces readying for deployment, per reports. Authorities reportedly stated the soldiers would not perform law enforcement duties but would protect ICE officers and government buildings.
Military personnel in combat attire with state guard insignia were spotted at the US army reserve center in the town. Trucks labeled "Disaster Relief" dropped off sanitation facilities and other supplies. Mobile units were set up in lines. Additional fencing was placed around the perimeter.
Aviation authorities ordered no-fly zones over the army reserve center for security reasons until 6 December.
The administration has intensified immigration enforcement in Chicago in the past month, sparking protests, especially near an processing facility in a Chicago suburb.
Earlier this week, state and city filed a lawsuit against the federal government, attempting to halt the National Guard deployment, asking a federal judge to stop what they describe as "Trump's long-declared 'Battle'" on Chicago and Illinois, calling it "illegal and dangerous".
A court hearing on their lawsuit is set for the next day.
The mayor also issued an executive order on that day prohibiting ICE officers and others from using city-owned property as operation bases for deportation efforts.
The governor has accused the president of using military forces as "staged tools" and "pawns".
At a news conference on Tuesday, Pritzker said that the president is attempting to "justify and make acceptable the presence of military personnel under his personal authority."
The historic federal law restricts the military's role in enforcing domestic laws. Yet, Trump has stated he would be willing to activate the emergency powers, which allows a commander-in-chief to send regular army in states that are failing to suppress an insurrection or are resisting federal law.
After beginning his new administration, the president has sent or mentioned sending military units to at least 10 cities, including Baltimore; Washington DC; New Orleans and West Coast locations like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, arguing that the armed forces is essential to fight violence and protect immigration agents.
Data indicates that most violent crime across the US has declined in recent years. In the city, 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 external threat.
