Ex-President Donald Trump on midweek demanded the detainment of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of failing to protect federal immigration officers.
"Chicago's Mayor should be jailed for endangering ICE Officers!" Trump posted on social media Wednesday morning. "The Illinois governor too!"
The two leaders identify as the Democratic faction.
These remarks coincide with the deployment of state military personnel in the Chicago region under orders from the federal administration, despite strong objections from Illinois authorities including the governor and mayor.
"This represents yet another attempt where Trump attempted to have an African American leader wrongfully arrested," Mayor Johnson stated on that day. "I'm not going put."
Pritzker also replied via social platforms, stating: "I will not back down. Now Trump is demanding arrests of elected officials checking his power. What's next on the path to complete authoritarianism?"
As of midweek, military troops from Texas had reached the Elwood army reserve center, an army base approximately 80 kilometers from the city, as the administration advances with its aggressive urban crime policy and mass deportation efforts.
Trump has labeled Chicago a "crime-ridden hellhole", even though police data indicate significant drops in many offenses, such as homicides.
On Wednesday, 200 Texas National Guard members were expected to deploy to the region, with another 300 state military personnel preparing to mobilize, according to reports. Officials reportedly stated the troops would avoid law enforcement duties but would secure ICE officers and their facilities.
Military personnel wearing uniforms with state guard insignia were spotted at the US army reserve center in the town. Trucks labeled "Emergency Disaster Services" dropped off portable toilets and essential items. Trailers were set up in lines. Additional fencing was placed around the compound.
Aviation authorities ordered flight restrictions over the military base for safety concerns until 6 December.
The administration has escalated deportation operations in the city in recent weeks, sparking protests, especially near an immigration center in a Chicago suburb.
On Monday, Illinois and Chicago initiated legal action targeting the federal government, seeking to block the military dispatch, urging a federal judge to stop what they call "Trump's long-declared 'War'" on the city and state, labeling it "illegal and risky".
Legal proceedings on their case is set for Thursday.
The mayor also issued an executive order on Monday banning ICE officers and related personnel from using municipal facilities as operation bases for enforcement actions.
The governor has accused the president of using troops as "political props" and "pawns".
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Pritzker said that Trump is trying to "justify and make acceptable the deployment of military personnel under his direct command."
The historic federal law restricts the military's role in enforcing domestic laws. However, Trump has stated he would be prepared to activate the Insurrection Act, which allows a commander-in-chief to send regular army in regions that are failing to suppress an insurrection or are resisting national authority.
Since starting his new administration, the president 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 military presence is essential to fight violence and protect ICE officers.
Statistics shows that most violent crime nationwide has decreased in recent years. In Chicago, for example, murders were down nearly one-third to 278 through August, per law enforcement reports.
New survey data released on Wednesday revealed that the majority of US citizens oppose the sending of troops without an external threat.
