Trump issues warning towards Chicago, governor labels him as a 'pretender to dictatorship'
In the heart of Pilsen, a vibrant neighbourhood in Chicago, Fabio Fernandez, the owner of an art and T-shirt company, has observed a palpable mood of anxiety among local businesses. This unease is echoed in other parts of the city, as President Donald Trump's threats of deploying National Guard troops and immigration agents have left many residents on edge.
On September 12, 2025, Trump announced his intention to deploy the National Guard in Memphis, Tennessee, citing high crime rates as justification. However, details about the scale and duration of the deployment remain unclear. Trump's threats have extended to Chicago, with the President suggesting that the city could face a similar fate, as well as Baltimore, New Orleans, and Portland, Oregon.
The extended Mexican Independence Day celebrations in Chicago, a significant expression of cultural identity and heritage, have been affected by these threats. Some events have been postponed or divided over precautions, with participants expressing fear and anxiety due to potential federal intervention. In Pilsen and Little Village, Mexican residents are particularly affected, with some carrying their US passports and others hesitant to openly celebrate.
Leo Pargo of Revcom Corps describes Trump 2.0 as more undisguised and vicious than Trump 1.0. His recent actions, such as posting a parody image featuring a ball of flames and helicopters over Chicago, with a caption mimicking a line from the movie Apocalypse Now, have further fuelled these fears.
In response to Trump's threats, state and city leaders in Chicago have announced plans to sue the Trump administration. Some parade-goers are equipped with whistles to alert if immigration officials appear at the events. Vianney Alarcon expects people to be targeted by immigration officials regardless of their legal status.
Trump's disruption of the celebrations has been met with strong criticism. Galiela Mendez finds it a slap in the face, as Trump maligns Chicago for political gain. Illinois governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, called Trump a "wannabe dictator" in response to the post.
The President has also suggested he has nearly limitless powers when it comes to deploying the National Guard. This assertion comes after Trump deployed National Guard troops in Washington since last month as part of an unprecedented law enforcement takeover of the nation's capital. Trump has also signed an executive order seeking to rename the Defense Department the Department of War, but the renaming requires congressional approval.
Amidst these tensions, local businesses in Pilsen are encouraged to support. Customers are urged to return and shop at small Latino-owned shops and restaurants to help alleviate the anxiety felt by the community. Despite gaining US citizenship this year, Alejandro Vences expresses palpable anxiety, highlighting the deep-seated fears that Trump's threats have instilled in many.
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