(WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- President Trump on Wednesday sought to explain his administration's plans to send hundreds of federal law enforcment officers to Chicago as the city experiences spikes in violent crime.
Trump said the agents from a variety of agencies, including the FBI, ATF, DEA and the Department of Homeland Security, will comprise a "surge" that targets violent criminals.
"We will find them arrest them and prosecute them. They will be in jail for many years to come," the president said during a news conference.
Trump also used the occasion to swipe at Chicago politicians -- including, presumably Mayor Lori Lightfoot -- whom he characterized as liberals who are too soft on crime. The president cited crime statistics -- including more than 400 murders so far this year -- and Tuesday's shootout outside a South Side funeral home that wounded 15 people.
“Frankly, have no choice but to get involved," said Republican Trump, who is running for re-election on a law-and-order platform.
He also inaccurately implied Chicago's mayor is part of a "far left" movement to defund and dismantle police departments. Lightfoot has said she supports the Chicago Police Department, albeit with additional reforms.
The U.S. Department of Justice plan will include law enforcement assistance to other major American cities and is called "Operation: Legend." It is named after LeGend M. Tailferro, a 4-year-old child who was killed by stray gunfire in Kansas City while sleeping.
Trump's remarks come on the heels of a controversial federal operation in Portland, Oregon, a hotspot of civil unrest and protests. The presence of camouflaged, unidentified agents under the Department of Homeland Security has created more tension, city leaders there say, and critics question the legality of their tactics. The Trump administration has said the agents are in Portland to protect federal property.
Lightfoot has said she welcomes federal support to fight crime, but not the type of quasi-military operation seen in Portland. She calls the Portland situation a "travesty" and says she'll be scrutinizing the efforts of agents here.
Later Wednesday, the president reached out by telephone to talk with the mayor, Lightfoot’s office said.
“The conversation was brief and straightforward,” a statement from City Hall said. “Mayor Lightfoot maintains that all resources will be investigatory in nature and be coordinated through the U.S. Attorney’s office. The Mayor has made clear that if there is any deviation from what has been announced, we will pursue all available legal options to protect Chicagoans.”
Chicago police are still investigating Tuesday's mass shooting outside the funeral home. A religious leader has offered a $15,000 reward to anyone who can steer police to the shooters.
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