Illinois officials have voiced strong opposition following a report that suggested President Donald Trump is poised to deploy federal troops to Chicago.
According to an article in The Washington Post, federal military plans targeting Chicago have been in the works for weeks, potentially involving thousands of National Guard members arriving in the city as early as next month.
Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton condemned the proposal, asserting that it showcases Trump’s intent to engender chaos for political gain.
“Tonight’s reporting from the Washington Post that President Trump is preparing to deploy federal troops in Chicago proves what we all know: he is willing to go to any lengths possible to create chaos if it means more political power—no matter who gets hurt,” Stratton stated.
Stratton emphasized her commitment to criminal justice reform and highlighted the progress made under the Pritzker-Stratton administration, pointing out that crime rates in Chicago are declining.
She argued that there is no justification for Trump’s actions, labeling them a distraction from his harmful agenda affecting working families.
Governor JB Pritzker also expressed his disapproval of the reported plan, clarifying that the State of Illinois has not received any requests from the federal government for assistance nor has it sought federal intervention.
“The safety of the people of Illinois is always my top priority. There is no emergency that warrants the President of the United States federalizing the Illinois National Guard or deploying active-duty military within our own borders,” Pritzker said.
The governor accused Trump of attempting to create a crisis and politicizing the military while disregarding the realities faced by working families.
Pritzker reaffirmed his commitment to uphold state sovereignty and protect the residents of Illinois.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted community efforts against crime during a block party, stating that the focus should be on community solidarity rather than federal intervention.
“One shooting, one homicide is one too many, and that’s why this block club today is so powerful, because it’s a reminder of how much work we have to do,” Johnson said.
He portrayed the majority of Chicagoans as supportive and engaged, contradicting the negative portrayal stemming from federal narratives.
“It’s important to recognize that we invest in each other, and we take care of one another,” Johnson added.
In a press conference, Trump proclaimed that Chicago would likely become the next focus of his administration’s efforts to address crime and other urban issues.
He elaborated on the administration’s strategies aimed at cities led by Democrats, claiming, “I think Chicago will be our next… We’ll straighten that one out probably next.”
Trump’s remarks came as he faced scrutiny over his characterization of cities with significant populations, portraying them as unmanageable and crime-ridden.
As he discussed Chicago, he stated that residents were “screaming for us to come” and shared anecdotes about support he claimed to have received from the community.
The contrasting data reveals an encouraging trend for Chicago; crime statistics show an overall decrease across various categories.
Despite the President labeling the city as dangerous, ABC7 data indicated that overall crime is down 13%, violent crime has decreased by 23%, and property crimes are down by 11% compared to last year.
Legal analysts remark that while activating the National Guard is a significant step, it has not been frequently deployed historically and raises questions about its legal implications.
Gil Soffer, ABC7’s Chief Legal Analyst, noted that the deployment of National Guard troops is gaining traction and could potentially extend beyond Chicago.
Responding to the President’s threats, Mayor Johnson criticized Trump’s approach, asserting it lacks coordination and clarity.
City leaders have expressed skepticism regarding Trump’s motives, interpreting the planned deployment as a political stunt rather than a genuine effort to mitigate crime.
The Mayor’s office has indicated its legal team is actively preparing for any potential actions arising from federal intervention.
This escalating situation in Chicago continues to garner attention as state leaders stand firm in their opposition to federal military involvement in local matters, emphasizing their commitment to community-led initiatives and safety.
image source from：abc7chicago
