Donald Trump issued a provocative threat to Chicago by sharing an AI-generated image depicting him orchestrating a bombing campaign on the city. The post featured a picture of Trump emulating Lt. Colonel Kilgore, a character played by Robert Duvall in the movie Apocalypse Now, along with a caption stating, “Chicago is soon to discover the reason behind its moniker, the Department of WAR.”
In addition, the post on Truth Social included the phrase, “I love the smell of deportations in the morning,” and the image was titled “Chipocalypse Now.” This marks a notable escalation for Trump, who had been hinting for weeks about the possibility of deploying troops to Chicago, which is under Democratic leadership.
The Associated Press reported that these threats have caused unease among many Latino residents, leading some to carry their U.S. passports for security reasons and causing others to reconsider openly celebrating the upcoming Mexican Independence Day.
Despite the Mexican Independence Day falling on September 16, the festivities in Chicago typically extend for over a week, attracting hundreds of thousands of participants. The celebrations commence with a parade through the predominantly Mexican Pilsen neighborhood on Saturday, followed by car processions and vibrant street revelries.
Chicago would become the third city under Democratic control where Trump has dispatched troops, following Los Angeles and Washington DC. The deployment of National Guard troops in DC was purportedly to address a decrease in crime rates, while the presence in LA was aimed at containing mostly peaceful protests.
Critics view the targeting of Democrat-led cities as a political move to assert authority and intimidate both legal and undocumented migrants. The Trump administration has informed local officials in the Chicago area that an immigration enforcement surge is imminent, projected to last around six weeks, as confirmed by Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson.
Thompson disclosed in a letter to the village residents that the administration informed village officials of utilizing a two-story building to house immigrants temporarily before deportation. The building is designated as the primary processing site for the forthcoming operation.
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Local leaders were briefed that the operation in Broadview, a suburb west of Chicago, is expected to span about 45 days, though the exact commencement date remains undisclosed. Officials in the village emphasized their focus on ensuring the safety of residents, law enforcement, and local businesses.
Village administrator LeTisa Jones affirmed the commitment to uphold the constitutionally protected right to peaceful protests while condemning any illegal actions jeopardizing the safety of police officers, businesses, and residents.
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