Ex-President Donald J. Trump on midweek called for the detainment of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, alleging them of failing to protect ICE agents.
"The city's leader should be jailed for endangering Immigration agents!" Trump wrote on his platform early Wednesday. "Governor Pritzker as well!"
Both officials identify as the Democratic party.
These remarks come alongside the arrival of state military troops in the Windy City area under orders from the federal administration, despite strong objections from Illinois authorities such as the governor and mayor.
"This represents not the first instance where Trump has sought to have an African American leader unjustly detained," Mayor Johnson stated on that day. "I am staying anywhere."
The governor responded via social platforms, stating: "I will not yield. Now Trump is demanding arrests of elected officials checking his power. What's next on the path to complete authoritarianism?"
As of midweek, National Guard troops from Texas had reached the Elwood training facility, an army base approximately 50 miles from Chicago, as the federal government advances with its hardline urban crime policy and mass deportation efforts.
Trump has called Chicago a "dangerous disaster zone", even though official statistics indicate notable reductions in many offenses, such as homicides.
That day, 200 Texas National Guard troops were scheduled to arrive to the region, with another 300 Illinois guard forces preparing to mobilize, according to reports. Authorities reportedly stated the troops would avoid law enforcement duties but would protect federal immigration agents and government buildings.
Soldiers in combat attire with state guard patches were spotted at the military facility in the town. Vehicles marked "Disaster Relief" delivered portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were arranged in lines. Extra barriers was placed around the perimeter.
Aviation authorities ordered no-fly zones over the military base for security reasons until 6 December.
Federal authorities has intensified immigration enforcement in Chicago in the past month, sparking demonstrations, especially near an processing facility in Broadview.
Earlier this week, Illinois and Chicago initiated legal action against the administration, attempting to halt the National Guard deployment, asking a court to stop what they describe as "Trump's long-declared 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, labeling it "illegal and risky".
A court hearing on their lawsuit is set for Thursday.
Mayor Johnson also issued an directive on Monday banning ICE officers and others from using city-owned property as operation bases for enforcement actions.
The governor has charged the president of using troops as "political props" and "chess pieces".
During a press briefing on Tuesday, he said that Trump is trying to "rationalize and make acceptable the deployment of armed soldiers under his direct command."
The historic Posse Comitatus Act restricts the army's involvement in enforcing domestic laws. Yet, Trump has stated he would be prepared to activate the emergency powers, which allows a commander-in-chief to dispatch active duty military in regions that are unable to suppress an uprising or are resisting national authority.
Since starting his new administration, the president has sent or discussed sending military units to over ten cities, such as Baltimore; Washington DC; New Orleans and California cities like Bay Area and Southern California municipalities, claiming that the armed forces is essential to fight violence and defend immigration agents.
Statistics shows that most violent crime across the US has declined in recent years. In the city, for instance, homicides were reduced 31% to 278 through late summer, according to police data.
New survey data published on that day revealed that the majority of US citizens disapprove of the sending of troops without an foreign danger.
