Donald Trump issued a bold threat towards Chicago by sharing an AI-generated image of himself carrying out a simulated bombing of the city.
The image depicts Trump as Lt. Colonel Kilgore from the movie Apocalypse Now, accompanied by the statement: “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.” Additionally, the post on Truth Social includes the caption “I love the smell of deportations in the morning” and is titled “Chipocalypse Now.”
This action represents a notable escalation by Trump, who had been hinting at deploying troops in Chicago, a city governed by Democrats. The threats have caused unease among many Latino residents, leading some to carry their U.S. passports and causing hesitance in openly celebrating the upcoming Mexican Independence Day.
Mexican Independence Day, which falls on September 16, is celebrated in Chicago over a week with various events drawing hundreds of thousands of participants. The festivities typically begin with a parade in the Mexican neighborhood of Pilsen, followed by car processions and vibrant street celebrations.
Chicago would become the third Democratic-run city where Trump has dispatched troops, following Los Angeles and Washington DC. The deployment of National Guard troops in DC and LA was under the guise of addressing crime and protests, respectively.
The focus on Democratic cities is perceived as a strategy to exert power and intimidate both legal and undocumented migrants. The Trump administration has informed officials in the Chicago area of a planned immigration enforcement operation lasting approximately six weeks.
According to Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson, the Trump administration has designated a two-story building in their village as the primary processing location for immigrants before detention or deportation. The operation is expected to run for around 45 days, although the exact start date remains undisclosed.
Local leaders in Broadview emphasized their commitment to protecting the right to peaceful protest while ensuring the safety of residents, police, and businesses. They stated that any illegal behavior jeopardizing safety would not be tolerated.
As Trump’s actions continue to draw attention globally, the Mirror has introduced a US Politics WhatsApp community to provide real-time updates and exclusive news from the United States. Community members can receive special offers, promotions, and news from the Mirror and its partners.