Donald Trump issued a strong warning to Chicago by sharing an AI-produced image of himself conducting a simulated carpet bombing of the city. The image depicted Trump as Lt. Colonel Kilgore, a character portrayed by Robert Duvall in the movie Apocalypse Now, with a caption stating, “Chicago about to find out why it’s called the Department of WAR.” The post on Truth Social also included the phrase, “I love the smell of deportations in the morning,” accompanied by the title “Chipocalypse Now.”
This move marked a significant escalation by Trump, who had been hinting at deploying troops to the Democratic-controlled city for weeks. The threats have caused concern among Latino residents, leading some to carry their U.S. passports and others to reconsider openly celebrating the upcoming Mexican Independence Day festivities in Chicago, which typically draw large crowds over more than a week.
Chicago would become the third Democrat-led city where Trump has dispatched troops, following actions in Los Angeles and Washington DC. The deployment of National Guard troops in DC and LA had controversial justifications, as crime rates were already dropping in DC, and protests in LA were largely peaceful.
Critics view the targeting of Democrat-controlled cities as a strategic move to assert power and intimidate both legal and undocumented migrants. The Trump administration has informed officials in the Chicago area about an upcoming immigration enforcement operation that is expected to last around six weeks, with a suburb mayor disclosing that a local immigration processing center will play a major role.
The operation in Broadview, near Chicago, is anticipated to span approximately 45 days, although the start date remains undisclosed. Local officials emphasized their commitment to safeguarding peaceful protests while maintaining the safety of residents, police, and businesses. The move has sparked a mix of reactions, with concerns over potential unrest alongside assertions of upholding constitutional rights and protecting community safety.