Trump Claims Pritzker Belongs in Jail; Illinois Governor Challenges: ‘Come Get Me’

In a heated exchange this week, President Donald Trump criticized Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, claiming they should be imprisoned for their failure to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers. This accusation sparked a fierce response from both Pritzker and Johnson.
Trump’s Claim: Pritzker and Johnson Should Be in Jail
During a social media post, Trump stated that Pritzker and Johnson “should be in jail” due to their perceived negligence of ICE operations in the Chicago area. This statement follows Trump’s recent decision to send Texas National Guard troops to Illinois, ostensibly to safeguard ICE officers amid mounting tensions.
Pritzker’s Defiant Response
In a televised interview, Governor Pritzker challenged Trump, stating, “Come and get me.” He emphasized that Trump’s actions represent a troubling shift toward authoritarianism.
- Pritzker accused Trump of threatening elected officials for opposing him.
- He referred to Trump’s claims as “unhinged” and labelled him a “wannabe dictator.”
- Pritzker declared that if Trump targets his constituents, he would confront him directly.
Johnson’s Reaction
Brandon Johnson backed Pritzker, asserting that Trump’s actions indicate a history of targeting Black individuals. He affirmed, “I’m not going anywhere,” as he defended the residents of Chicago against what he deemed unjust accusations.
Legal Actions and Military Involvement
The exchange coincided with a scheduled hearing regarding the legality of Trump’s National Guard deployment in Illinois. The troops are stationed at a U.S. Army Reserve facility located near Joliet. U.S. District Judge April Perry recently declined to block the deployment despite objections from state officials.
- The Illinois Attorney General argued that the move undermines the state’s sovereignty and violates the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act.
- Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act of 1807 to justify military presence in U.S. cities.
- This act allows for military intervention to address domestic unrest.
Pritzker’s Concerns About Military Presence
Pritzker voiced fears that the deployment is a tactic to condition residents to accept military forces in urban areas, particularly as the 2026 elections approach. He speculated that Trump might use military presence to intimidate voters.
Moreover, Pritzker highlighted concerns regarding Trump’s attempts to obtain voter rolls from states, suggesting this could be part of a larger strategy to manipulate election outcomes.
Conclusion
The escalating showdown between President Trump and Illinois officials raises significant questions about political power, military involvement, and the safeguarding of democratic processes. As both sides prepare for the upcoming court hearing, the outcomes remain uncertain.