The Pentagon has been meticulously preparing for weeks to deploy military troops in Chicago as part of President Trump's controversial plan to combat crime, homelessness, and undocumented immigration. This initiative mirrors his previous strategies implemented in Washington, D.C., according to a report by the Washington Post published on Saturday.
As per the report, the Pentagon's plans may involve mobilizing at least a few thousand National Guard troops as early as September. Additionally, discussions have taken place regarding the potential use of active-duty military personnel. In a statement released Saturday night, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker emphasized that the State of Illinois has not received any official requests or outreach from the federal government seeking assistance, nor has the state made any requests for federal intervention. Pritzker asserted, "The safety of the people of Illinois is always my top priority," and firmly stated, "There is no emergency that warrants the President of the United States federalizing the @IL_Natl_Guard, deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active duty military within our own borders."
Governor Pritzker criticized President Trump, stating that he is attempting to "manufacture a crisis" and politicize the military, which distracts from the real issues affecting families in the state. He vowed to uphold the law, defend the sovereignty of Illinois, and protect its residents. Both Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have voiced their opposition to Trump's unilateral plan to deploy the National Guard in Chicago, deeming it illegal. Legal analysts, including CBS News Chicago's Irv Miller, confirmed that the president lacks the authority to unilaterally send the National Guard to Illinois, as such decisions rest with the governor, who has made his stance clear.
According to the Washington Post, if implemented, the Chicago mission would likely resemble the deployment in Los Angeles in June, where the Trump administration sent 4,000 National Guard members and 700 active-duty Marines to safeguard federal property amid protests against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Despite the widespread opposition to federal troop presence in Chicago, a small group known as Chicago Flips Red expressed support for the proposed crackdown on crime. This conservative group claims to have a nationwide backing, with members arguing that having the National Guard on the streets would deter crime. One member stated, "If you've got the National Guard right there, are you going to rob somebody right there in front of the National Guard? No, you're not."
In contrast, both Mayor Johnson and Governor Pritzker have highlighted the significant reduction in crime in Chicago over the past year, with homicides decreasing by more than 30%, robberies by 35%, and shootings by almost 40%. Johnson emphasized the importance of continuing to invest in community-based solutions rather than resorting to military intervention, stating that an unlawful deployment could exacerbate tensions between residents and law enforcement.
The ACLU of Illinois also weighed in on the matter, arguing that public safety extends beyond mere policing. They pointed out that the National Guard is not equipped to fulfill the role of police officers and suggested that military presence is not a suitable substitute for community policing. ACLU spokesman Ed Yohnka remarked, "National Guard are not trained in order to be police officers, in order to collaborate and cooperate with communities. They're trained to do militaristic operations."
Mayor Johnson has refrained from addressing Trump's threats directly but confirmed that his office has not received any communication from the White House regarding the deployment of federal troops. Alderman Jason Ervin also noted that he has not received any specific information about the situation, expressing his disapproval of the idea of military vehicles patrolling city streets.
As the situation develops, the tension between federal authority and state sovereignty continues to be a focal point in the discussion surrounding crime, safety, and community relations in Chicago.
