Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson responded to President Donald Trump’s remarks suggesting they should face arrest for obstructing federal law enforcement.
Shortly after Trump’s comments, Pritzker wrote on X, “I will not back down,” while Johnson claimed Trump was focused on unfairly targeting black men.
On Wednesday morning, Trump used his Truth Social account to criticize both leaders for allegedly impeding and attacking federal agents trying to address issues in Chicago.
“The Mayor of Chicago should go to jail for failing to protect his ice workers! Governor Pritzker too!” Trump posted.
Both Democrats quickly reacted to Trump’s comments.
Pritzker labeled Trump an “authoritarian,” asserting he “will not back down” from supporting undocumented immigrants.
“Mr. Trump is now calling for the arrest of elected officials to check his power,” he remarked. “What else remains on the path to full-fledged authoritarianism?”
Meanwhile, Mayor Johnson responded by highlighting his status as a candidate.
“This isn’t the first time Mr. Trump has tried to unjustly arrest a black man,” Johnson stated. “I’m not going anywhere.”
On Wednesday, during a CNN segment, Johnson criticized Trump as “unstable” and “double-minded.”
“This president is a threat to our democracy,” he asserted. “I will remain firm as the mayor of this great city, which has been recognized as the best in America for nine years. We will protect all of Chicago.”
Trump’s comments followed reports that Chicago officials instructed local law enforcement to withhold emergency assistance from federal agents after ICE requested help amid violent protests on Sunday.
Additionally, on Monday, Johnson announced he had established an “ICE-free zone” through an executive order designed to limit the agency’s operations on city-owned land.
