Mayor of Chicago vows to safeguard the city against authoritarianism following Trump's "Chipocalypse Now" warning
In a series of controversial statements, former President Donald Trump has hinted at a potential military operation in Chicago, following his announcement of troop deployments in Washington D.C. and previous threats towards other Democratic cities.
Trump's plans, if realised, would see the Department of Defense, now rebranded as the Department of War, utilise the Naval Station Great Lakes. Reports suggest that around 250 federal agents and 140 vehicles could be involved in the operation.
Two weeks ago, Trump revealed that Chicago was his next pick for a troop deployment, after Washington D.C. The president has also claimed that sending in the National Guard is a solution to Democratic cities' crime problems.
However, Chicago's Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson, who was elected in 2023, has been vocal in his opposition to these federal actions. Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker are standing firm on the city's sanctuary city policies, which bar local law enforcement from assisting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents unless they have a criminal warrant.
The threat from Trump comes ahead of expected ICE raids in Chicago, with Governor Pritzker warning that the raids could start as early as Saturday. This has led to concerns among residents, with organisers of the El Grito Chicago festival scrapping a planned two-day event over ICE raid fears.
Mayor Johnson has vowed to defend the city from Trump's 'authoritarianism', stating, "We will not let President Trump's divisive and dangerous tactics undermine our city's values."
Steve Miller, a key immigration hardliner in the Trump administration, is reportedly planning a visit to Chicago in September, coinciding with Mexican Independence Day celebrations. It is unclear, however, if this visit is connected to the potential military operation.
Trump has continued to express support among certain sections of the community, with him claiming that African-American ladies are asking him to come to Chicago. However, these statements have been met with criticism and concern from many, particularly those who fear a repeat of the controversial immigration policies of the Trump era.
As of now, there is no publicly known or specific date when Trump has selected Chicago as the next target for a military occupation. The threats and statements from Trump remain symbolic and unformalised, leaving the future uncertain for the city of Chicago.
Read also:
- Tobacco industry's suggested changes on a legislative modification are disregarded by health journalists
- Trump's Policies: Tariffs, AI, Surveillance, and Possible Martial Law
- Uncovering Political Ad Transparency: A Guide to Investigating opponent's Political Advertisements in the Digital Realm
- Elon Musk praises JD Vance's debate performance against Tim Walz
