Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy troops to Chicago. He called the move an abuse of power.
Pritzker argued there is no emergency that warrants the National Guard in Illinois. He accused Trump of fabricating a crisis to justify action.
Trump has already stationed about 2,000 troops in Washington DC. The capital’s Democratic leaders oppose the deployment. Trump presents the move as part of a broad crackdown on crime in US cities.
On Friday, he announced Chicago and New York could be next.
Chicago mayor warns of worsening tensions
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he had not been informed about National Guard deployment. He expressed serious concern about the plan. He described it as uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned that unlawful deployment could inflame tensions between residents and police. He said it could also undermine the city’s progress in reducing crime.
Pentagon arms Guard troops in Washington
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered National Guard members in Washington DC to carry weapons. The order reversed the Pentagon’s earlier position. Just last week, officials said the Guard would remain unarmed.
So far, Guard members have not been involved in police operations. Local officers and federal agents continue those duties. Troops remain stationed at landmarks including the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon said troops will carry weapons in line with training and mission. It remains unclear if their role in the city will change.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not commented publicly.
Trump praises deployment and hints at national emergency
Trump said the mission brought safety back to Washington. He described the city as unsafe before deployment but claimed it is now secure. He praised the troops and suggested expanding the strategy to Chicago.
He announced that 1,700 Guardsmen will deploy across 19 states in the coming weeks. Texas will receive the largest share. The Guard will support immigration enforcement and serve as a deterrent.
Trump also said he may declare a national emergency once the 30-day mission ends. That would allow him to keep troops indefinitely. He insisted he would act if conditions required it.
Growing backlash among local leaders
Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, already sent troops to assist. 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 mission began. She said 91 illegal firearms had been seized, including 40 arrests on Thursday.
Local leaders questioned the need for federal intervention. Mayor Bowser pointed to a sharp 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 the Guard deployment and federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.
