President Donald Trump has escalated his confrontation with Illinois officials to unprecedented levels. In a Wednesday morning post on Truth Social, he declared Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson “should be in jail.”
The statement marks a sharp turn in the ongoing battle over federal troop deployment and immigration enforcement in the nation’s third-largest city.
The Truth Social Post That Shocked Officials
“Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers!” Trump wrote, referring to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel. “Governor Pritzker also!“
Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers! Governor Pritzker also!
(TS: 08 Oct 08:19 ET)
— Trump Truth Social Posts On X (@TrumpTruthOnX) October 8, 2025
The post came hours after 400 National Guard troops from Texas arrived at training facilities outside Chicago. They joined 300 federalised Illinois Guard members already authorised for deployment.
Neither Pritzker nor Johnson has been accused of any crime. Legal experts note that both officials are performing their constitutional duties by challenging what they view as federal overreach.
Mounting Tensions in the Windy City
The clash stems from Operation Midway Blitz, Trump’s immigration crackdown that has resulted in over 900 arrests across the Chicago area.
Federal agents and protesters have clashed repeatedly outside the ICE processing facility in Broadview, a Chicago suburb. The confrontations intensified after Border Patrol agents shot Marimar Martinez, a 30-year-old U.S. citizen, during a protest on 4 October.
Key developments include:
- Deployment of 700 National Guard troops to Illinois
- Creation of “ICE Free Zones” by Mayor Johnson barring federal agents from city property
- Multiple arrests of protesters outside ICE facilities
- Use of tear gas, pepper balls, and flash grenades by federal agents
The Department of Homeland Security claims Martinez rammed federal vehicles and posed a threat. Gov. Pritzker disputes this account, citing bodycam footage that suggests she was struck by an ICE vehicle first.
Pritzker Fires Back: “Full-Blown Authoritarianism”
Gov. Pritzker responded swiftly to Trump’s jail threat on X (formerly Twitter): “I will not back down. Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power. What else is left on the path to full-blown authoritarianism?“
I will not back down.
Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected representatives checking his power.
What else is left on the path to full-blown authoritarianism? pic.twitter.com/TieJ2irYv5
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) October 8, 2025
The governor’s counter-offensive has been fierce. Last week, he called for invoking the 25th Amendment to remove Trump from office, claiming the president shows signs of dementia and mimics tactics of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“His masked agents already are grabbing people off the street. Separating children from their parents. Creating fear,” Pritzker wrote in a series of posts.
Mayor Johnson also rejected Trump’s characterisation. “He’s lost, and that’s why it’s important that we help find a way to protect our democracy and our humanity,” Johnson stated during a Tuesday news conference.
Similar political tensions have erupted elsewhere. Pope Leo XIV’s criticism of Trump’s immigration policies sparked controversy earlier this year, highlighting divisions within American institutions.
Legal Battles Heat Up
Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit on Monday seeking to block the National Guard deployment. The complaint argues Trump exceeded his constitutional authority by federalising troops without evidence of a rebellion or invasion.
A federal judge in Illinois has scheduled a hearing for Thursday. Meanwhile, a Trump-appointed judge in Oregon has already temporarily blocked Guard deployments there, ruling protests “did not pose a ‘danger of rebellion.'”
The lawsuit claims Trump’s actions are politically motivated. It points to his history of “threatening and derogatory” comments about Chicago dating back to 2013.
“Defendants’ provocative and arbitrary actions have threatened to undermine public safety by inciting a public outcry,” the legal filing states.
White House Doubles Down
White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson defended the president’s position. “Amidst ongoing violent riots and lawlessness, that local leaders like Pritzker have refused to step in to quell, President Trump has authorised 300 national guardsmen to protect federal officers and assets.”
The administration characterises Chicago as a “war zone” requiring federal intervention. However, crime statistics show violent crime has actually decreased in Chicago over recent years.
Trump’s broader agenda includes targeting political opponents through the Justice Department. Former FBI Director James Comey appeared in court on Wednesday for arraignment on charges many legal experts consider politically motivated.
This follows Trump’s earlier pledge to use the military in U.S. cities, which he described as “training grounds for our military.” That statement prompted Pritzker’s initial call for the 25th Amendment.
National Governors Association Under Pressure
Pritzker has threatened to withdraw Illinois from the National Governors Association unless it condemns the troop deployments. California Gov. Gavin Newsom joined that threat, creating potential fractures in the bipartisan organisation.
If the National Governors Association chooses to remain silent, Illinois will have no choice but to withdraw from the organization.
We should be standing as one against the idea that Donald Trump can call up the National Guard against our will. pic.twitter.com/lFVHMysMt7
— Governor JB Pritzker (@GovPritzker) October 7, 2025
“If the National Governors Association chooses to remain silent, Illinois will have no choice but to withdraw from the organization,” Pritzker wrote.
The confrontation has broader implications for federal-state relations. Legal scholars note this is the first time in over 50 years a president has federalised National Guard troops against a governor’s wishes.
Trump previously made controversial decisions, including renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America, showcasing his willingness to challenge conventional norms.
What Happens Next?
Federal courts will likely determine whether Trump has the authority to deploy troops without state consent. The Illinois case could set precedent for similar challenges in Oregon, California, and potentially other states.
For Chicago residents, the immediate concern centres on safety and civil liberties. Community groups have documented cases of U.S. citizens being stopped and questioned based solely on appearance.
The administration insists its operations target “the worst of the worst” criminals. However, reports suggest many detained individuals have no criminal background.
As this constitutional crisis unfolds, Americans are watching closely. The outcome will shape presidential powers, state sovereignty, and the balance between federal authority and local governance for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can Trump legally jail Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson?
A: No. Neither official has been charged with or accused of committing any crime. Trump’s statement appears to be political rhetoric rather than a legal action. For criminal charges to proceed, evidence of actual crimes would need to be presented to prosecutors.
Q: What is the 25th Amendment that Pritzker mentioned?
A: The 25th Amendment allows the vice president and Cabinet to remove a sitting president if they determine he is “unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.” This requires majority Cabinet support and has never been successfully invoked against a president’s will.
Q: Has a president ever federalised the National Guard against a governor’s wishes before?
A: Yes, but rarely. President Eisenhower did so in 1957 to enforce school desegregation in Little Rock, Arkansas. Trump’s use of this power for immigration enforcement and crime-fighting represents a significant departure from historical precedent.
Q: What are “ICE Free Zones”?
A: Mayor Johnson’s executive order prohibits federal immigration agents from using city-owned property for enforcement operations. This includes schools, libraries, parks, and government buildings. The order aims to protect residents from being detained while accessing public services.
Q: Could this situation lead to violence between federal and state forces?
A: Experts say direct confrontation is unlikely. If National Guard members are federalised, they answer to the president, not the governor. However, the presence of both federal troops and local law enforcement in the same spaces creates potential for confusion and tension.
