Chicago city leaders and Illinois officials are warning residents of the nation’s third-largest city to keep protests from getting out of hand if the Trump administration follows through on its promise to deploy the National Guard.
"When it comes to federal agents or the National Guard, these people work for the federal government and their rules of engagement are different," Chicago Police Superintendent warned at a news briefing on Aug. 27. "Keep it peaceful, try not to obstruct or become physical with federal agents or members of the National Guard."
The warning from the city’s top cop comes as Chicagoans expect the White House to bring its immigration crackdown to the city sometime after Labor Day.
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker warned Chicagoans to expect military checkpoints with "unidentified officers in masks while taking their kids to school." But he asked protesters to refrain from giving federal troops reason to engage.
"I know you, Chicago," Pritzker said. "When you protest, do it peacefully, be sure to continue Chicago’s long tradition of nonviolent resistance."
