Ex-President Donald Trump on midweek called for the detainment of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, alleging them of failing to protect ICE agents.
"The city's leader belongs behind bars for endangering Immigration agents!" Trump wrote on social media Wednesday morning. "Governor Pritzker too!"
Both officials identify as the Democratic party.
These remarks coincide with the deployment of state military troops in the Chicago region following directives from the federal administration, despite vehement protests from state officials such as Pritzker and Johnson.
"This represents yet another attempt where Trump attempted to have a Black man unjustly detained," Johnson responded on that day. "I'm not going put."
Pritzker also replied via social platforms, stating: "I refuse to back down. Trump is now calling for imprisonment of democratically chosen representatives checking his power. What's next on the path to full-blown authoritarianism?"
As of midweek, military troops from Texas had arrived at the Elwood training facility, an army base approximately 80 kilometers from Chicago, as the administration pushes forward with its aggressive urban crime policy and mass deportation efforts.
The president has labeled Chicago a "crime-ridden disaster zone", despite police data indicate significant drops in many offenses, such as homicides.
On Wednesday, 200 state guard members were expected to deploy to the Chicago area, with an additional three hundred state military forces preparing to mobilize, per sources. Officials reportedly stated the soldiers would not perform law enforcement duties but would protect federal immigration agents and government buildings.
Soldiers wearing uniforms with state guard insignia were observed at the military facility in Elwood. Vehicles labeled "Disaster Relief" delivered portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were set up in lines. Extra barriers was placed around the perimeter.
The Federal Aviation Administration imposed no-fly zones over the army reserve center for security reasons until early December.
Federal authorities has escalated deportation operations in the city in recent weeks, sparking protests, particularly near an processing facility in Broadview.
Earlier this week, state and city initiated legal action against the administration, attempting to halt the National Guard deployment, asking a court to stop what they call "the president's proclaimed 'Battle'" on Chicago and Illinois, labeling it "unlawful and risky".
Legal proceedings on their case is scheduled for the next day.
Mayor Johnson also signed an executive order on Monday prohibiting ICE officers and others from using city-owned property as operation bases for deportation efforts.
The governor has accused Trump of using military forces as "political props" and "chess pieces".
At a news conference on the previous day, he said that the president is attempting to "rationalize and normalize the deployment of armed soldiers under his personal authority."
The historic federal law restricts the military's role in civilian law enforcement. Yet, Trump has said he would be prepared to activate the Insurrection Act, which allows a president to dispatch active duty military in regions that are unable to put down an uprising or are resisting national authority.
After beginning his second term, the president has sent or discussed sending military units to over ten cities, such as major metropolitan areas and California cities like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, arguing that the military presence is essential to fight violence and defend ICE officers.
Data indicates that most violent crime nationwide has declined in the past few years. In Chicago, for example, homicides were down 31% to 278 through late summer, per police data.
New survey data released on that day found that most Americans oppose the deployment of military forces without an foreign danger.
