Tensions are mounting in Chicago after President Donald Trump announced that the city could soon face what he described as a “Chipocalypse.”
His warning comes as federal immigration authorities prepare for large-scale raids, sparking anger among local leaders and fear among immigrant communities.
A Meme with a Warning
Over the weekend, Trump took to his platform, Truth Social, sharing a meme of himself with the caption: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning.
Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.”
This comment followed his controversial decision to rebrand the Pentagon as the “Department of War.”
Federal Forces on Standby
Reports from The Washington Post revealed that the Department of Homeland Security has requested the use of Naval Station Great Lakes, the largest military base in Illinois, to coordinate the operation.
About 250 federal agents, 140 vehicles, and possibly National Guard troops are being prepared for deployment.
Equipment has already begun arriving at the site, with conservative media figures calling it the beginning of “the siege of Chicago.”
Governor Pritzker Pushes Back
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been outspoken against the move.
He suggested that Trump’s team, particularly senior aide Stephen Miller, deliberately targeted Chicago in September because of the city’s vibrant Mexican Independence Day celebrations.
Pritzker accused the administration of trying to disrupt peaceful parades and family picnics, calling the strategy “terror and cruelty for its own sake.”
Celebrations Cut Short
Fear of raids has already had a chilling effect.
Organizers of El Grito Chicago canceled their two-day Mexican Independence Day festival, fearing federal intervention.
Despite this, both Governor Pritzker and Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson are urging residents not to let the threats overshadow their cultural celebrations.
Mayor Johnson Stands Firm
Mayor Johnson has resisted federal interference by signing an executive order restricting local law enforcement cooperation with ICE, unless agents hold a criminal warrant.
He also barred officers from wearing masks, which have been used in other cities during raids.
Encouraging residents to continue celebrating, Johnson asked: “Why would we let someone auditioning to be a dictator intimidate the soul of Chicago?”
The National Guard Question
Trump insists his deployment of the National Guard is about tackling crime in Democratic-run cities.
In Washington, D.C., ICE raids were paired with a large troop presence, which has already triggered a lawsuit from the city’s attorney general, arguing it violates laws against military involvement in domestic policing.
Trump’s Own Words
At a recent Oval Office event, Trump boasted about his approach: “We’ll straighten out Chicago, just like we did D.C.,” he said.
He went on to attack the city’s mayor as “grossly incompetent” and claimed that residents—especially African-American women—were pleading with him to send in troops.
Trump added that after Chicago, New York would likely be next on his list.
What Comes Next?
For now, Chicago waits. Federal equipment and agents are already in position, but the raids haven’t yet begun.
City and state leaders vow to resist, community organizers are canceling events, and residents are left caught in the middle of a political battle that could soon spill onto their streets.