Ex-President Donald J. Trump on midweek demanded the incarceration of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of not safeguarding federal immigration officers.
"Chicago's Mayor should be jailed for endangering ICE Officers!" Trump wrote on his platform Wednesday morning. "The Illinois governor as well!"
Both officials identify as the Democratic party.
Trump's statements coincide with the arrival of state military troops in the Chicago region under orders from the current government, notwithstanding strong objections from Illinois authorities including the governor and mayor.
"This represents yet another attempt where Trump attempted to have a Black man wrongfully arrested," Johnson responded on Wednesday. "I'm not going put."
The governor responded via online channels, declaring: "I will not back down. Trump is now demanding arrests of elected officials resisting his authority. What remains on the road toward complete authoritarianism?"
As of midweek, military units from Texas had reached the Elwood army reserve center, an army base roughly 50 miles from Chicago, as the administration pushes forward with its hardline urban crime policy and immigration enforcement operations.
The president has labeled Chicago a "dangerous disaster zone", even though police data indicate notable reductions in many offenses, such as murders.
On Wednesday, two hundred Texas National Guard members were expected to deploy to the Chicago area, with another 300 Illinois guard personnel readying for deployment, per sources. Officials indicated the troops would not perform police functions but would protect federal immigration agents and their facilities.
Soldiers in combat attire with state guard insignia were observed at the military facility in Elwood. Vehicles labeled "Disaster Relief" delivered portable toilets and other supplies. Mobile units were set up in rows. Extra barriers was placed around the perimeter.
Aviation authorities imposed flight restrictions over the army reserve center for safety concerns until 6 December.
Federal authorities has escalated immigration enforcement in Chicago in recent weeks, sparking demonstrations, especially near an immigration center in Broadview.
Earlier this week, state and city filed a lawsuit against the federal government, attempting to halt the National Guard deployment, asking a court to stop what they call "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, labeling it "illegal and risky".
Legal proceedings on their case is set for the next day.
Mayor Johnson also signed an executive order on that day banning ICE officers and others from using municipal facilities as operation bases for enforcement actions.
Pritzker has accused Trump of using troops as "political props" and "chess pieces".
At a news conference on the previous day, he said that Trump is trying to "justify and normalize the presence of military personnel under his personal authority."
The historic federal law limits the army's involvement in civilian law enforcement. However, Trump has stated he would be prepared to invoke the Insurrection Act, which allows a president to send active duty military in states that are failing to suppress an insurrection or are resisting national authority.
After beginning his new administration, Trump has dispatched or mentioned sending troops to at least 10 urban centers, including major metropolitan areas and California cities like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, claiming that the armed forces is essential to combat crime and defend ICE officers.
Data shows that most violent crime nationwide has decreased in recent years. In Chicago, for instance, murders were reduced nearly one-third to 278 through August, according to police data.
New survey data published on Wednesday revealed that the majority of US citizens disapprove of the deployment of troops without an foreign danger.
