Illinois Governor JB Pritzker denounced President Donald Trump’s plan to send troops to Chicago. He said the move is an abuse of power.
Pritzker argued no emergency justifies deploying the National Guard in Illinois. He accused Trump of fabricating a crisis for political gain.
Trump already stationed about 2,000 troops in Washington DC. The capital’s Democratic leaders strongly oppose the action. Trump frames the deployment as part of a wider crime crackdown in US cities.
On Friday, he suggested Chicago and New York would be next.
Chicago mayor voices strong opposition
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he received no official word about National Guard deployment. He expressed serious concern about the proposal. He described the approach as uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned the move could increase tensions between residents and police. He said it could undo progress made in reducing crime across the city.
National Guard in Washington now armed
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered Washington DC National Guard members to carry weapons. The order marked a sharp reversal from the Pentagon’s recent position. Just last week, officials said troops would remain unarmed.
So far, the Guard has not taken part in law enforcement operations. Federal agencies and city police continue those duties. Guardsmen are mainly posted at landmarks like the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon said troops will carry weapons consistent with training and mission. It remains unclear whether this changes their role on the ground.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has yet to comment.
Trump calls deployment a success
Trump defended the crackdown in remarks at the Oval Office. He said Washington had turned from unsafe to secure since troops arrived. He praised the mission and suggested expanding it to Chicago.
Trump said 1,700 Guardsmen will mobilise across 19 states in the coming weeks. Texas will host the largest number. The Guardsmen will back immigration enforcement and act as visible deterrents.
Trump also said he may declare a national emergency after the 30-day deadline ends. That would allow him to keep troops indefinitely. He vowed to take that step if conditions worsen.
Growing backlash among local leaders
Some Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, have already provided troops. Trump also pledged to seek $2 billion from Congress to beautify Washington. Earlier this year, lawmakers cut the city’s budget by $1.1 billion.
Attorney General Pam Bondi reported more than 700 arrests since the operation began. She said authorities seized 91 illegal guns, including 40 arrests on Thursday alone.
Local leaders questioned the necessity of federal involvement. Mayor Bowser pointed to a steep fall in crime, calling it the lowest in 30 years.
A Washington Post and Schar School poll revealed strong opposition. Nearly 80 percent of residents rejected both the Guard deployment and federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.
