President Trump Criticizes Chicago Mayor, Illinois Governor Over Immigration Enforcement
President Donald Trump posted Wednesday on Truth Social calling for the arrest of Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, accusing them of failing to safeguard federal immigration agents.
“Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect ICE Officers,” Trump wrote. “Governor Pritzker also!”
Pritzker, Johnson Push Back on Federal Intervention
Governor Pritzker responded on X (formerly Twitter), saying he would not back down in the face of what he characterized as political pressure. He accused the Trump administration of deploying military force into Illinois and creating fear among residents.
Pritzker claimed federal agents were detaining individuals based solely on appearance and accused the administration of separating families, referencing the deployment of National Guard troops and the use of helicopters during enforcement operations.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also responded, stating:
“This is not the first time Trump has tried to have a Black man unjustly arrested. I’m not going anywhere.”
New Executive Order Blocks City Cooperation with Federal Agents
On Tuesday, Mayor Johnson signed an executive order restricting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal agencies from using city-owned property for civil immigration enforcement.
The order prohibits staging, processing, or operational activity related to immigration enforcement on any city-controlled lots, garages, or other municipal locations.
“Operation Midway Blitz” Escalates Federal Presence in Chicago
Since early September, the Department of Homeland Security has expanded federal operations in the city under “Operation Midway Blitz.” The program has led to frequent protests and multiple arrests near ICE facilities, particularly in Broadview, Illinois.
In response to the increased federal activity, Pritzker has repeatedly criticized the use of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops in blue states. He recently discussed his concerns in Minnesota alongside Governor Tim Walz, where he claimed citizens—regardless of immigration status—were being questioned and asked for documentation based on appearance.
Calls to Withdraw from National Governors Association
Both Pritzker and California Governor Gavin Newsom have threatened to withdraw from the National Governors Association if it does not speak out against the federal deployments.
Pritzker stated:
“If the National Governors Association chooses to remain silent, Illinois will have no choice but to withdraw.”
The National Governors Association represents governors across all 50 states, and no official response to the threat has yet been released.
CBS News Chicago has requested additional comment from the offices of both Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker.
Related Coverage
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
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