President Pritzker alleges Trump's actions aim to fabricate a crisis, as his administration contemplates deploying the National Guard to Chicago.
In a series of statements, Illinois leaders have expressed their opposition to President Donald Trump's plans for a federal crackdown on crime in Chicago.
Governor JB Pritzker accused the President of "attempting to manufacture a crisis" and politicizing Americans who serve in uniform. Pritzker also stated that there is no emergency that warrants the President's proposed actions, such as federalizing the Illinois National Guard, deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active duty military within their own borders.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed these sentiments, stating that unlawfully deploying the National Guard to Chicago has the potential to inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement. Johnson also claimed that an unlawful deployment would be unsustainable and would threaten to undermine the progress made in reducing homicides, robberies, and shootings in Chicago.
Johnson did not make any requests for federal intervention in Chicago's situation. Instead, he highlighted data showing that homicides, robberies, and shootings have dipped significantly in the past year. Johnson asserted that he is against an unlawful deployment of the National Guard to Chicago.
Democrat Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton also spoke out against the proposed federal crackdown, stating that President Trump is willing to deploy federal troops in Chicago to create chaos for political gain. Stratton claimed that there is no rationale for a federal crackdown on crime in Chicago other than to distract from Trump's harmful agenda. She also asserted that she and Governor Pritzker have made significant progress in criminal legal system reform, and that crime in Chicago is declining.
The planned National Guard mobilization in Chicago is expected to begin in September 2025, with at least several thousand members potentially deployed as part of efforts ordered by former President Trump to combat crime and illegal immigration. However, Johnson and Stratton maintain that they are committed to protecting the rights and freedoms of Illinois residents and ensuring the safety of the people of Illinois, which remains a top priority for Governor Pritzker.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration is cracking down on crime in Washington D.C. and mobilizing National Guard soldiers and airmen. Hundreds of federal agents and National Guard troops have been deployed to the streets of D.C. as part of the federal takeover of the district. However, the White House has stated that the planned National Guard rollouts in 19 states are not linked to the administration's actions in D.C.
Johnson does not express support for President Donald Trump's plans for a federal crackdown on crime in Chicago, and Governor Pritzker and Lt. Gov. Stratton have made it clear that they oppose any unlawful deployment of the National Guard to the city. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen whether the federal government will move forward with its plans for a crackdown on crime in Chicago.
