Former President Donald Trump on midweek called for the incarceration of Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, alleging them of not safeguarding federal immigration officers.
"Chicago's Mayor should be jailed for endangering Immigration agents!" Trump posted on social media Wednesday morning. "The Illinois governor as well!"
Both officials identify as the Democratic faction.
These remarks come alongside the deployment of National Guard troops in the Chicago region following directives from the current government, despite vehement protests from state officials including Pritzker and Johnson.
"This marks not the first instance where Trump has sought to have an African American leader unjustly detained," Mayor Johnson stated on Wednesday. "I am staying anywhere."
The governor responded via online channels, stating: "I will not back down. Trump is now demanding arrests of democratically chosen representatives checking his power. What's next on the path to complete authoritarianism?"
By Wednesday morning, National Guard troops from the Lone Star State had reached the Elwood army reserve center, a military installation approximately 50 miles from the city, as the administration advances with its hardline crime strategy and mass deportation efforts.
The president has labeled Chicago a "dangerous hellhole", despite police data indicate notable reductions in many offenses, such as homicides.
On Wednesday, two hundred state guard members were expected to deploy to the Chicago area, with an additional three hundred Illinois guard forces preparing to mobilize, according to reports. Officials reportedly stated the troops would avoid law enforcement duties but would secure federal immigration agents and government buildings.
Soldiers in combat attire with state guard insignia were spotted at the US army reserve center in the town. Trucks labeled "Disaster Relief" dropped off portable toilets and other supplies. Trailers were set up in lines. Extra barriers was installed around the perimeter.
Aviation authorities imposed flight restrictions over the army reserve center for security reasons until 6 December.
Federal authorities has intensified deportation operations in the city in the past month, sparking protests, especially near an processing facility in Broadview.
Earlier this week, Illinois and Chicago initiated legal action against the federal government, seeking to block the military dispatch, urging a federal judge to stop what they describe as "the president's proclaimed 'War'" on Chicago and Illinois, calling it "illegal and risky".
Legal proceedings on their lawsuit is scheduled for Thursday.
The mayor also issued an directive on that day prohibiting ICE officers and others from using city-owned property as operation bases for deportation efforts.
Pritzker has accused Trump of using troops as "staged tools" and "chess pieces".
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Pritzker said that Trump is trying to "rationalize and make acceptable the deployment of military personnel under his personal authority."
The historic federal law restricts the military's role in civilian law enforcement. Yet, the president has stated he would be willing to activate the Insurrection Act, which permits a commander-in-chief to send regular army in states that are unable to put down an insurrection or are resisting national authority.
After beginning his new administration, Trump has dispatched or discussed deploying military units to at least 10 urban centers, including major metropolitan areas and California cities like Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, arguing that the military presence is essential to fight violence and protect immigration agents.
Data shows that serious offenses across the US has declined in recent years. In the city, for instance, murders were down nearly one-third to under three hundred through August, according to law enforcement reports.
New survey data published on Wednesday revealed that most Americans disapprove of the deployment of troops without an external threat.
