Trump Calls for Imprisonment of Chicago Officials Amid Immigration Raids

CHICAGO, Illinois – President Donald Trump has called for the jailing of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of failing to protect federal immigration officers during recent raids in the city. In a social media post, Trump stated, “Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect ICE officers! Governor Pritzker also!” This remark escalated ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and local Democratic leaders amid federal immigration enforcement actions.

The comments come as hundreds of National Guard troops have been deployed to Chicago as part of a crackdown on illegal immigration dubbed Operation Midway Blitz. After protests erupted against immigration enforcement in the city, the Democratic officials have responded vehemently. Pritzker labeled Trump’s actions as “authoritarian,” while Johnson criticized the president, saying, “This is not the first time Trump has tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested. I’m not going anywhere.”

The National Guard’s arrival follows similar deployments in Los Angeles and Washington D.C., and comes in response to what Trump describes as rampant crime in Democratic-led cities. As part of the operation, federal agents executed raids throughout Illinois, resulting in over 900 arrests, leading to friction with community members and local leadership.

Illinois filed a lawsuit against the federal government on the legality of the troop deployments, with a court hearing scheduled for Thursday. Governor Pritzker vowed, “I will not back down,” emphasizing the importance of local governance and expressing concerns about the military presence aimed at controlling protests. Meanwhile, the White House defended the decision to deploy troops as necessary to ensure the safety of federal officers and property.

Recent protests have grown intense, particularly in the suburb of Broadview, where demonstrators have clashed with federal agents. In one incident, law enforcement officials opened fire on a woman during a demonstration, leading to further unrest among local residents.

The ongoing conflict highlights a wider standoff between the Trump administration and local officials who challenge his immigration policies and increasing militarization of law enforcement practices. As the situation unfolds, legal and political ramifications remain in focus, with both state and city officials standing firmly against Trump’s calls for imprisonment.