Former President Donald Trump on midweek called for the detainment of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of failing to protect federal immigration officers.
"The city's leader belongs behind bars for failing to secure Immigration agents!" Trump posted on his platform Wednesday morning. "The Illinois governor too!"
The two leaders identify as the Democratic party.
These remarks coincide with the deployment of state military personnel in the Windy City area following directives from the current government, notwithstanding vehement protests from state officials including Pritzker and Johnson.
"This represents yet another attempt where Trump attempted to have an African American leader wrongfully arrested," Johnson responded on that day. "I am staying anywhere."
Pritzker also replied via social platforms, declaring: "I will not yield. Now Trump is calling for imprisonment of democratically chosen representatives checking his power. What remains on the road toward full-blown autocracy?"
As of midweek, 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 pushes forward with its aggressive urban crime policy and immigration enforcement operations.
The president has called Chicago a "crime-ridden hellhole", even though official statistics indicate notable reductions in most criminal activities, including homicides.
On Wednesday, two hundred Texas National Guard members were expected to deploy to the region, with another 300 state military forces readying for deployment, according to reports. Officials reportedly stated the soldiers would avoid law enforcement duties but would protect ICE officers and government buildings.
Military personnel wearing uniforms with state guard insignia were spotted at the US army reserve center in the town. Trucks labeled "Disaster Relief" dropped off sanitation facilities and essential items. Trailers were arranged in rows. Extra barriers was placed around the perimeter.
The Federal Aviation Administration imposed flight restrictions over the military base for safety concerns until early December.
Federal authorities has escalated deportation operations in the city in the past month, sparking protests, particularly near an processing facility in Broadview.
Earlier this week, Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit targeting the administration, attempting to halt the National Guard deployment, asking a federal judge to stop what they describe as "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on the city and state, calling it "illegal and risky".
A court hearing on their lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday.
The mayor also issued an executive order on Monday banning ICE officers and others from using municipal facilities as operation bases for deportation efforts.
Pritzker has charged the president of using military forces as "political props" and "chess pieces".
At a news conference on the previous day, he said that the president is trying to "rationalize and normalize the presence of armed soldiers under his personal authority."
The historic federal law limits the military's role in civilian law enforcement. Yet, Trump has stated he would be willing to activate the emergency powers, which permits a commander-in-chief to dispatch active duty military in regions that are unable to suppress an uprising or are defying federal law.
After beginning his new administration, the president has dispatched or discussed sending military units to over ten urban centers, such as Baltimore; Washington DC; New Orleans and West Coast locations like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, arguing that the military presence is essential to combat crime and protect immigration agents.
Data shows that serious offenses across the US has declined in recent years. In the city, for example, homicides were down nearly one-third to 278 through late summer, according to law enforcement reports.
A recent poll released on that day found that the majority of US citizens oppose the deployment of troops without an foreign danger.
