Trump instigates unrest in Chicago

In a series of recent developments, President Donald Trump has indicated a potential military intervention in Chicago, following his announcement of plans to address alleged rampant crime in the city.

Trump's hints come amidst the unfolding of Operation Midway Blitz, an increased operation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency targeting illegal immigrants in Chicago, as of early September 2025. The Trump administration has already intervened in Washington D.C. and Los Angeles, and it seems Chicago might be next on the list.

The specifics of Trump's plans for Chicago, including the potential mobilization of the National Guard, remain unclear. However, the President's post on Truth Social, captioned with the words "I love the smell of deportations in the morning," has sparked controversy and concern.

The controversy deepens as Trump shared an AI-generated graphic depicting Chicago's skyline, resembling the film "Apocalypse Now." The graphic suggests that the U.S. Department of Defense has been renamed the "Department of War," a statement that has been met with criticism from city officials.

Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois' Governor JB Pritzker have both criticized Trump's threats towards the city, with Pritzker labelling Trump a "wannabe dictator." Johnson claims Trump's actions are unworthy of a President and constitute authoritarianism.

The potential military intervention and ICE operations in Chicago have led to protests against Trump's aggressive immigration policies. Protests have also been ongoing in Washington D.C. over the weekend, demonstrating growing opposition to Trump's policies.

In response, the U.S. government, under Trump, has justified the mobilization of the National Guard in Los Angeles and other cities, including Chicago, citing alleged chaos and resistance against ICE officers. The U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, has announced further ICE operations, known for raids involving masked officers.

Trump's suggestions have angered city officials and sparked debate about the role of the President in enforcing immigration policies and the potential for military intervention in domestic affairs. It remains to be seen how these developments will unfold in the coming weeks.