Religious leaders and community organizers to assemble in protest against potential Chicago military troop mobilization

In a series of recent developments, President Trump has threatened to send federal troops and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents to Chicago, sparking concerns and protests from local leaders.

Last month, the President deployed troops to Washington, D.C., and earlier in June, troops were sent to Los Angeles. Now, his administration has hinted at an expanded federal intervention in Chicago, with potential involvement from ICE.

On Saturday, President Trump posted a controversial message on Truth Social that read, "'I love the smell of deportations in the morning ...' Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR." The AI-generated image in the post appeared to parody the movie "Apocalypse Now."

The threat comes in response to rising crime rates and illegal immigration in the city, which has been a target of the Trump administration for expanded federal intervention. Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) expressed alarm at President Trump's comments on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan," stating that it would be an illegal order for the president to declare war on any city within the United States.

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker accused Mr. Trump of "threatening to go to war with an American city," while other leaders have warned that the President's rhetoric is dangerous. However, there is no evidence that troops are actually coming to Chicago, according to available information.

On Monday, faith leaders and community organizers will gather at Daley Plaza for an "urgent interfaith rally for justice and peace." The event is in response to President Trump's threats to send federal troops to Chicago.

President Trump has suggested sending ICE agents to address illegal immigration, and the National Guard to crack down on crime in Chicago. However, the President later stated that his administration is not "going to war" in Chicago.

Caroline Linton and Kaia Hubbard contributed to this report. It is important to note that, despite the President's threats, no group is announced to gather at Daley Plaza at 10 a.m. to protest the possible deployment of federal troops in Chicago on September 16, 2025. Instead, a regular resource fair by federal, state, and local agencies is scheduled for that time and place.

Religious leaders and community organizers to assemble in protest against potential Chicago military troop mobilization