Chicago — President Donald Trump fueled tensions in Chicago after posting a controversial meme on Truth Social, signaling intensified immigration enforcement actions in the city.
The post, styled after the iconic Apocalypse Now film, showed military helicopters flying over Chicago’s skyline with the caption: “I love the smell of deportations in the morning … Chipocalypse Now.” The remark came just days after Trump’s push to rebrand the Department of Defense as the Department of War.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the post as “not normal,” warning that the president was treating an American city like a battlefield. “This is not a joke,” Pritzker said, accusing Trump of inciting fear instead of providing solutions.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed those concerns, saying Trump appeared intent on “occupying our city and breaking our Constitution.” U.S. Senator Dick Durbin also criticized the message as dangerous political theater.
Following Trump’s post, thousands of protesters gathered downtown and near immigrant communities to demonstrate against possible ICE raids and National Guard deployments. Mexican Independence Day events in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood were subdued, with community groups distributing “know your rights” flyers and whistles to warn of potential raids.
Trump’s aggressive immigration stance has reignited debate over the use of federal forces in domestic law enforcement. Critics argue that such actions may violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts military involvement in civilian affairs.
Illinois leaders have vowed to challenge the administration in court, while immigrant rights groups prepare legal defense strategies for affected families.