CHICAGO — Donald Trump on Wednesday called for the arrest of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, accusing them of “failing to protect ICE officers” as immigration enforcement force their occupation on areas across the state.
The statement, posted to Trump’s social media platform early Tuesday, marked an unprecedented escalation in the conflict between the White House and Illinois officials. It came as state and local leaders continued to condemn federal raids and detentions carried out under the administration’s immigration crackdown.
Pritzker’s office called the remarks “dangerous and unlawful,” reiterating that Illinois law enforcement will not participate in federal immigration raids. Chicago city officials also denounced the post, warning it could further inflame tensions in communities already on edge.
Trump’s comments followed a series of high-profile incidents in the Chicago area and northern Illinois. Witnesses and local officials say federal agents have detained U.S. citizens and residents without warrants, including one woman outside Waukegan City Hall. Community groups say these encounters — some captured on video — have left neighborhoods “living under occupation.”
Civil-rights attorneys and constitutional law experts said Trump’s remarks about jailing state leaders raised new concerns about the limits of executive power.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has already filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block what his office calls the “unlawful federalization” of National Guard units and the use of military-style tactics in civilian neighborhoods. The administration argues that the measures are necessary for public safety and immigration enforcement.
Residents and activists say the effect has been widespread fear. In several communities, businesses have begun denying entry to federal agents, while churches and civic groups are offering legal aid and emergency housing to those affected by raids.
As the legal fight continues, Illinois leaders have vowed to resist what they call “federal overreach.” The clash underscores a widening standoff between state governments and Washington — one testing the boundaries of American federalism in real time.
