President Donald Trump on Wednesday morning called for Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker to be jailed, writing on Truth Social: “Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect ICE Officers! Governor Pritzker also!” The post came as federal immigration operations intensified in the Chicago area. The White House did not provide details.
Trump’s escalation comes alongside a buildup of security forces around Chicago. Texas National Guard troops were seen at an Army Reserve training center in the suburbs on Tuesday, after Gov. Greg Abbott said he authorized the deployment at the president’s request. Locally, Johnson this week signed an executive order barring federal agencies from using city property for civil immigration enforcement, part of a broader effort by city and state leaders to resist the federal surge.
Both officials responded to Trump’s post. “I will not back down,” Pritzker wrote on X, accusing Trump of calling for the arrest of elected leaders who are checking his power. Johnson said the president was again trying to have a Black man unjustly arrested and vowed to remain in office. The exchanges come as protests, arrests and immigration enforcement actions have increased across the region in recent weeks.
Add Comment