Donald Trump escalated his rhetoric on Wednesday, calling for the imprisonment of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of failing to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers amid a rising conflict over the deployment of National Guard troops. The remarks came as the Trump administration pushed forward with its aggressive immigration policies in Chicago, despite fierce opposition from local officials.

Trump’s Call for Arrests

In a post on Truth Social, Donald Trump targeted Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, both Democrats, accusing them of not doing enough to safeguard ICE officers from harm. “Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect ICE Officers!” Trump wrote, adding, “Governor Pritzker also!” This attack highlights the ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and Illinois officials over immigration enforcement.

Mayoral and Gubernatorial Reactions

Both Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker swiftly responded to Trump’s comments. Johnson dismissed the former president’s remarks as another unjust attempt to target Black individuals, stating, “This is not the first time Trump has tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested.” He asserted, “I’m not going anywhere.” Pritzker, in a pointed response, warned that Trump’s actions were leading the nation toward “full-blown authoritarianism,” emphasizing his resolve not to back down in the face of such attacks.

National Guard Deployment in Chicago

As part of the Trump administration’s continued push to tackle crime and immigration issues, National Guard troops from Texas began arriving at the Elwood Army Reserve Center, about 50 miles from Chicago. This deployment, which has sparked strong opposition from Illinois leaders, is intended to support federal immigration officers and protect federal facilities, though military personnel will not take on law enforcement duties. Additional Illinois National Guard troops are also expected to deploy soon, further escalating the situation.

The Legal Battle Over Deployment

Illinois and Chicago have filed a lawsuit in federal court, seeking to block the deployment of National Guard troops in the state. They argue that Trump’s actions amount to an “unlawful and dangerous” overreach and are part of a broader, politically motivated “War” on Chicago. A federal court hearing on this lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday, with local officials hoping to prevent further escalation.

Trump’s Military Presence in U.S. Cities

This deployment in Chicago is part of a broader strategy by Trump’s administration to send military personnel to various U.S. cities to address what it calls rising crime. Trump has previously suggested deploying troops to Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and several California cities, arguing that such measures are necessary to combat violent crime and protect ICE officers. However, these moves have been met with significant resistance from local authorities, who argue that they are an overreach.

Pritzker’s Criticism of Trump’s Use of Military

Governor Pritzker has strongly criticized Trump for using the National Guard as “political props” and “pawns.” At a news conference, Pritzker argued that Trump is attempting to normalize the presence of armed soldiers under his direct command, which he described as an alarming tactic. Pritzker’s criticisms reflect the broader concern that Trump’s actions could undermine the democratic process and erode the separation of powers.

Legal Concerns Over Posse Comitatus Act

The Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the military’s role in enforcing domestic laws, has been a key point of contention. Trump has suggested that he might invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy active-duty military forces in cities defying federal law or unable to control insurrections. This idea has sparked significant debate about the role of the military in domestic law enforcement, especially in light of the ongoing lawsuits and local resistance to federal intervention.

Crime Data and Public Opinion

Despite Trump’s rhetoric, data show a decline in violent crime across the U.S., including in Chicago, where homicides have decreased by 31% from the same period in 2024. A Reuters/Ipsos poll also revealed that most Americans oppose the deployment of troops to U.S. cities unless there is an external threat, reflecting growing concerns over the militarization of domestic policing.