Ex-President Donald J. Trump on midweek called for the incarceration of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor JB Pritzker, alleging them of failing to protect ICE agents.
"Chicago's Mayor should be jailed for failing to secure ICE Officers!" Trump posted on his platform early Wednesday. "The Illinois governor too!"
The two leaders are members of the Democratic party.
Trump's statements come alongside the deployment of state military troops in the Windy City area under orders from the federal administration, notwithstanding vehement protests from state officials such as the governor and mayor.
"This represents yet another attempt where Trump has sought to have an African American leader wrongfully arrested," Mayor Johnson stated on Wednesday. "I am staying anywhere."
Pritzker also replied via online channels, stating: "I will not back down. Trump is now demanding arrests of democratically chosen representatives checking his power. What remains on the road toward full-blown authoritarianism?"
As of midweek, military units from Texas had arrived at the Elwood training facility, a military installation approximately 50 miles from the city, as the administration advances with its hardline urban crime policy and immigration enforcement operations.
Trump has labeled Chicago a "dangerous hellhole", despite official statistics indicate notable reductions in most criminal activities, including murders.
On Wednesday, two hundred state guard members were scheduled to arrive to the Chicago area, with an additional three hundred state military forces readying for deployment, according to sources. Officials indicated the troops would not perform police functions but would protect ICE officers and government buildings.
Soldiers wearing uniforms with Texas national guard patches were observed at the US army reserve center in the town. Trucks labeled "Emergency Disaster Services" delivered portable toilets and essential items. Trailers were set up in rows. Additional fencing was installed around the perimeter.
Aviation authorities ordered no-fly zones over the military base for safety concerns until 6 December.
Federal authorities has intensified deportation operations in Chicago in recent weeks, sparking protests, especially near an processing facility in a Chicago suburb.
On Monday, state and city filed a lawsuit targeting the federal government, seeking to block the military dispatch, asking a court to stop what they describe as "the president's proclaimed 'Battle'" on Chicago and Illinois, calling it "unlawful and risky".
Legal proceedings on their case is set for the next day.
Mayor Johnson also signed an executive order on that day banning federal immigration agents and related personnel from using city-owned property as staging areas for deportation efforts.
The governor has accused Trump of using military forces as "staged tools" and "chess pieces".
During a press briefing on Tuesday, Pritzker said that Trump is trying to "rationalize and normalize the presence of armed soldiers under his personal authority."
The historic federal law restricts the army's involvement in civilian law enforcement. Yet, Trump has said he would be willing to invoke the Insurrection Act, which allows a commander-in-chief to send active duty military in regions that are unable to put down an uprising or are resisting national authority.
After beginning his second term, Trump has sent or discussed sending military units to over ten cities, including major metropolitan areas and California cities like Oakland, San Francisco and Los Angeles, arguing that the armed forces is necessary to combat crime and protect ICE officers.
Statistics shows that serious offenses across the US has declined in the past few years. In the city, for example, homicides were reduced nearly one-third to 278 through late summer, per police data.
A recent poll released on Wednesday revealed that most Americans oppose the deployment of troops without an foreign danger.
