Trump threatens federal crackdown in Chicago

A political storm is brewing in Chicago as the city braces for a possible federal crackdown ordered by the Trump administration.

(CNN)- A political storm is brewing in Chicago as the city braces for a possible federal crackdown ordered by the Trump administration.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement has already been active in Chicago and Illinois but said more resources are on the way. “We’ve already had ongoing operations with ICE in Chicago and throughout Illinois and other states, making sure that we’re upholding our laws, but we do intend to add more resources to those operations,” Noem said.

President Donald Trump recently warned Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker in a social media post to address violent crime in Chicago or risk federal intervention. Pritzker fired back, accusing the president of targeting Democratic-led cities for political gain. “Chicago apparently is living rent free in his head, even though on other days he’ll talk about Baltimore, he’ll talk about New York. Notice he never talks about where the most violent crime is occurring, which is in Red states,” Pritzker said.

Mayor Brandon Johnson also pushed back, signing an executive order declaring that the Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with federal military personnel on patrols or immigration enforcement. “This order affirms that the Chicago Police Department will not collaborate with military personnel on police patrols or civil immigration enforcement,” Johnson said.

Sources say the federal operation could begin within days and may include a surge of federal agents and National Guard troops. Republican strategist Katie Frost argued the move is in line with Trump’s campaign promises. “President Trump has a mandate to have strong immigration enforcement. That is one of the main things that got him elected and now we’re seeing it’s playing out. I believe ultimately the American people are on his side,” Frost said.