Trump Escalates Tensions: Calls for Imprisonment of Democratic Leaders and National Guard Deployment in Chicago and Illinois

In a remarkable political escalation, U.S. President Donald Trump called for the imprisonment of Chicago’s mayor and Illinois’ governor—both Democrats—accusing them of "failing to protect immigration officers" amidst intensifying disputes over immigration policies. This came as Trump ordered the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to Chicago, the nation’s third-largest city, to bolster migrant deportation operations, despite opposition from local authorities and the majority of Americans.

Though no official criminal charges have been filed against the Democratic officials, Trump’s appeal coincides with the controversial court appearance of former FBI director James Comey. This marks another escalation from Trump, who has repeatedly advocated for jailing his political rivals since he entered politics in 2015.

Tensions in Chicago have heightened after Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order preventing federal immigration officers from using city property for their operations, while Trump accused both Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker of neglecting the safety of immigration agents. Trump’s remarks on his "Truth Social" platform were seen as renewed political pressure, while Illinois Senator Dick Durbin condemned the National Guard deployment as "terrorizing families through night raids and placing troops in our streets."

A Reuters/Ipsos poll showed that most Americans oppose deploying military forces domestically unless there’s an external threat, adding fuel to the heated political debate. These developments reflect a shift in the U.S. political landscape, highlighting the growing confrontation between Trump’s administration and Democratic-led cities on issues of immigration enforcement and law and order.