Ex-President Donald J. Trump on midweek called for the incarceration of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, alleging them of not safeguarding federal immigration officers.
"Chicago's Mayor belongs behind bars for failing to secure ICE Officers!" Trump wrote on social media early Wednesday. "Governor Pritzker as well!"
The two leaders identify as the Democratic party.
Trump's statements come alongside the arrival of National Guard personnel in the Chicago region under orders from the current government, despite vehement protests from state officials including the governor and mayor.
"This represents not the first instance where Trump attempted to have a Black man wrongfully arrested," Johnson responded on that day. "I am staying anywhere."
The governor responded via social platforms, stating: "I will not back down. Now Trump is demanding arrests of democratically chosen representatives checking his power. What's next on the path to complete autocracy?"
By Wednesday morning, National Guard units from the Lone Star State had reached the Elwood army reserve center, a military installation approximately 50 miles from the city, as the federal government advances with its hardline crime strategy and immigration enforcement operations.
The president has labeled Chicago a "dangerous hellhole", even though police data indicate notable reductions in many offenses, including homicides.
On Wednesday, 200 Texas National Guard troops were scheduled to arrive to the Chicago area, with another 300 state military forces readying for deployment, per sources. Authorities indicated the soldiers would not perform police functions but would secure ICE officers and government buildings.
Military personnel wearing uniforms with state guard patches were observed at the military facility in the town. Trucks marked "Disaster Relief" dropped off sanitation facilities and other supplies. Trailers were arranged in lines. Additional fencing was placed around the compound.
Aviation authorities imposed flight restrictions over the army reserve center for security reasons until early December.
Federal authorities has escalated deportation operations in the city in the past month, triggering demonstrations, especially near an immigration center in Broadview.
On Monday, state and city initiated legal action against the administration, seeking to block the National Guard deployment, asking a court to stop what they call "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, labeling it "unlawful and risky".
A court hearing on their lawsuit is set for the next day.
Mayor Johnson also signed an directive on Monday banning federal immigration agents and others from using city-owned property as staging areas for enforcement actions.
Pritzker has charged the president of using troops as "political props" and "pawns".
At a news conference on Tuesday, he said that Trump is trying to "justify and make acceptable the presence of military personnel under his direct command."
The nearly 150-year-old Posse Comitatus Act restricts the army's involvement in civilian law enforcement. However, Trump has stated he would be willing to activate the emergency powers, which permits a commander-in-chief to dispatch active duty military in states that are unable to suppress an uprising or are defying federal law.
Since starting his second term, the president has sent or discussed deploying troops to over ten cities, including major metropolitan areas and California cities like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, arguing that the armed forces is essential to fight violence and protect ICE officers.
Data indicates that most violent crime nationwide has decreased in recent years. In Chicago, for example, homicides were reduced 31% to 278 through late summer, according to law enforcement reports.
A recent poll released on that day revealed that most Americans disapprove of the sending of troops without an external threat.
