(Ashlee Rezin/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)
President Donald Trump has started sending federalized troops to Chicago on Sunday after threatening to do so for weeks.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson (D) — soon after clips of troops and immigration agents patrolling The Windy City started circulating on X on Sunday — posted that he was aware of the development.
“I am closely monitoring the confirmed reports of federal agents on Michigan Ave.,” Johnson said. “While Chicagoans and visitors are enjoying another gorgeous Sunday, they are being intimidated and threatened by masked federal agents flaunting automatic weapons for no apparent reason.”
Johnson added, “This is another brazen provocation from the Trump administration that does nothing to make our city safer.”
The Chicago Sun-Times reported dozens of immigration agents took individuals into custody while patrolling downtown Chicago on Sunday.
Gregory Bovino, a border patrol chief, told local radio station WBEZ that agents were arresting people based on “many different factors,” including “how they look.” He also said agents have the “intelligence” and “experience” to know when something “indicates there’s illegal aliens in a particular place or location.”
Trump, on Sunday evening, posted a clip of troops being harassed by protestors in Chicago.
“Border Patrol will take no nonsense!” the president posted.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker (D), who fought back against Trump’s threats for weeks, joined Johnson and made it clear he is not happy with the troops arriving.
The governor posted, “The Trump Administration’s DHS officers appear to be carrying large weapons around downtown Chicago in camouflage and masks. This is not making anybody safer — it’s a show of intimidation, instilling fear in our communities and hurting our businesses.”
A site representing Chicago’s bars and restaurants reposted video from WGN TV, writing, “What a tremendous waste of taxpayer dollars by the self aggrandizing White House.”
Some MAGA supporters also posted to X about Chicagoans welcoming in the troops.
Also Sunday, Portland, Oregon, filed suit against the Trump administration after federalized troops began descending on that city. Oregon’s Gov. Tina Kotek (D) denounced the deployment but urged calm, saying, “Let’s not take the bait. Let’s not respond to what the president is trying to do.”
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