Trump Demands Imprisonment of Illinois Governor, Escalating Political Feud

President Donald Trump called for the imprisonment of Chicago's mayor and Illinois governor on Wednesday, escalating his confrontation with Democratic officials as his administration prepares to deploy military forces in America's third-largest city. Both officials face no criminal charges but have emerged as major opponents to Trump's immigration crackdown and National Guard deployment plans.

Trump's demand targets Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, who have positioned themselves as barriers to federal immigration enforcement in their city and state. The president accused both men of failing to protect immigration officers working in Chicago.

"The Mayor of Chicago should be imprisoned for not protecting ICE Officers! The Governor, Pritzker, likewise!" Trump wrote on his social media platform, referring to Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents.

The timing is significant. Trump's call comes as former FBI Director James Comey prepares to face criminal charges that legal experts widely describe as weak. Comey represents the first major political opponent to actually stand trial after years of Trump demanding prosecutions of his critics since entering politics in 2015.

Johnson signed an executive order Monday creating an "ICE-free zone" that blocks federal immigration agents from using city property for their operations. This directly conflicts with Trump's plans to conduct large-scale deportation raids in Democratic-leaning cities.

The confrontation highlights the broader battle between Trump's federal immigration agenda and Democratic strongholds refusing to cooperate. Chicago has long been a sanctuary city, limiting cooperation with federal immigration authorities even before Trump's return to office.

For markets and governance watchers, this represents a test of federal versus local authority that could reshape how immigration policy gets implemented. Cities like Chicago generate significant economic activity, and prolonged conflicts between federal and local governments could create uncertainty for businesses and residents.

Neither Johnson nor Pritzker responded to requests for comment about Trump's imprisonment demands. Both officials have previously stated they will use legal means to resist federal immigration policies they view as harmful to their communities.