(NewsNation) — Hundreds of demonstrators marched through Chicago on Wednesday to protest federal immigration operations as the bitter back-and-forth continued between local officials and the Trump administration.
In a social media post Wednesday, the White House called Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson “incompetent” and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker “delusional,” adding that, “Chicago is in chaos and the American people are paying the price.”
President Donald Trump also called for Johnson and Pritzker’s arrest for “failing to protect ICE officers.” The remark was met with pushback from Pritzker.
“There’s one thing I really want to say to Donald Trump. If you come for my people, you come through me. So come and get me,” Pritzker said.
Texas National Guard troops have begun protecting federal property and personnel in the Chicago area during protests outside immigration facilities. A spokesperson for U.S. Northern Command confirmed the deployment to the Associated Press, noting that an “element” of the 200 troops is currently on duty but did not provide further details. Trump has insisted the deployment is legal, despite concerns he is using the military for civilian law enforcement, a violation of federal law.
The troops stationed in Illinois are activated for 60 days, though NewsNation affiliate WGN obtained video of trailers and what appears to be fencing material, portable showers and a dining hall — all of which could indicate a long stay. Some of the troops were seen carrying guns, though the Northern Command spokesperson would not confirm how the guardsmen were armed.
A new IPSOS-Reuters poll has found 58% of Americans, including a majority of Republicans, believe the military should only be used against external threats.
Federal judges were preparing Thursday to weigh the Trump administration’s deployment of the National Guard in both Chicago and Portland, Oregon, in separate hearings.
Pritzker and Johnson have asked the judge, who was appointed by former President Joe Biden, to declare the guard deployment over the governor’s objection illegal.
A federal judge last weekend issued a temporary restraining order preventing the Trump administration from deploying federalized National Guard troops to Portland. The case is now on appeal before the Ninth Circuit, which has granted an administrative stay. Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek, a Democrat, has said she hopes the rule of law prevails and warned that the decision underscores the need for states to defend their constitutional authority.
