Chicago’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order aimed at taking “immediate, drastic action” to protect residents ahead of potential military deployment by the Trump administration. Following the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., President Donald Trump has reportedly threatened to target Chicago next.
++ Drinking enough water may reduce the body’s stress response
The mayor outlined plans on Saturday describing how his administration would respond to any federal intervention. Johnson stated: “We have received credible reports that we have days, not weeks before our city sees some type of militarised activity by the federal government. It is unclear at this time what that will look like. We must take immediate, drastic action to protect our people from federal overreach.” He added that measures could include militarised immigration enforcement, National Guard troops, or even active-duty military vehicles in the streets.
Trump has previously criticised Chicago, calling it a “mess” and a “killing field,” while attacking Johnson’s leadership. In response, the “Protecting Chicago initiative” instructs the city’s police not to collaborate with military personnel on immigration enforcement. Johnson said: “The Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement. We will not have our officers deputised to conduct traffic stops and checkpoints for the president.”
++ Travis Kelce sought Taylor Swift’s father’s blessing before proposal
The order also directs officers to wear identifiable uniforms and avoid masks, so residents can clearly distinguish them from federal agents. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has backed Johnson, asserting that the city does not need or want military intervention. Reports indicate that the federal administration may send a contingent of around 200 homeland security officials to Chicago, alongside possible federalisation of the Illinois National Guard and involvement of other law enforcement branches, including the DEA, FBI, and ATF.
