Ex-President Donald Trump on Wednesday demanded the detainment of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, alleging them of failing to protect ICE agents.
"Chicago's Mayor belongs behind bars for endangering ICE Officers!" Trump wrote on social media Wednesday morning. "Governor Pritzker too!"
Both officials are members of the Democratic party.
Trump's statements coincide with the deployment of National Guard troops in the Chicago region under orders from the current government, despite vehement protests from Illinois authorities including the governor and mayor.
"This marks not the first instance where Trump attempted to have a Black man unjustly detained," Mayor Johnson stated on that day. "I am staying put."
Pritzker also replied via online channels, stating: "I will not yield. Trump is now demanding arrests of elected officials checking his power. What's next on the road toward complete autocracy?"
By Wednesday morning, National Guard troops from the Lone Star State had reached the Elwood army reserve center, an army base roughly 80 kilometers from the city, as the administration advances with its aggressive urban crime policy and immigration enforcement operations.
The president has labeled Chicago a "dangerous disaster zone", even though police data indicate notable reductions in most criminal activities, such as murders.
On Wednesday, 200 Texas National Guard members were expected to deploy to the region, with another 300 Illinois guard forces preparing to mobilize, per reports. Officials reportedly stated the soldiers would avoid police functions but would protect ICE officers and government buildings.
Soldiers wearing uniforms with state guard insignia were observed at the military facility in Elwood. Trucks marked "Disaster Relief" delivered portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were arranged in rows. Extra barriers was installed around the perimeter.
The Federal Aviation Administration imposed no-fly zones over the military base for safety concerns until 6 December.
The administration has intensified immigration enforcement in Chicago in recent weeks, sparking protests, particularly near an immigration center in Broadview.
Earlier this week, state and city filed a lawsuit targeting the federal government, seeking to block the military dispatch, asking a federal judge to stop what they describe as "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, calling it "illegal and dangerous".
Legal proceedings on their lawsuit is set for Thursday.
Mayor Johnson also issued an directive on that day prohibiting ICE officers and others from using municipal facilities as staging areas for deportation efforts.
Pritzker has accused the president of using military forces as "staged tools" and "chess pieces".
At a news conference on Tuesday, he said that the president is attempting to "justify 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, the president has stated he would be prepared to invoke the emergency powers, which allows a commander-in-chief to dispatch active duty military in states that are unable to suppress an insurrection or are defying federal law.
After beginning his second term, Trump has sent or discussed deploying military units to at least 10 urban centers, such as Baltimore; Washington DC; New Orleans and West Coast locations like Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, arguing that the military presence is necessary to combat crime and defend ICE officers.
Data indicates that most violent crime nationwide has decreased in the past few years. In the city, for instance, homicides were reduced 31% to 278 through August, according to law enforcement reports.
New survey data published on that day revealed that the majority of US citizens disapprove of the sending of troops without an external threat.
