President Donald Trump’s plan to send troops to Chicago is an abuse of power, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker said.
He argued there is no emergency that justifies the National Guard in Illinois. He accused Trump of attempting to manufacture a crisis.
Trump already sent about 2,000 troops to Washington DC. The capital’s Democratic leadership opposes his decision. Trump presents the deployment as a crackdown on crime in major US cities.
On Friday, Trump announced that Chicago and New York could be next.
Chicago mayor warns of unrest
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he had not received any official notice about National Guard deployment. He expressed grave concerns about the plan. He called the approach uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned that unlawful deployment could inflame tensions between residents and police. He added it could threaten progress in reducing crime.
Washington deployment escalates
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the National Guard in Washington DC to carry weapons. The decision marks a clear change from the Pentagon’s earlier position. Just last week, the Pentagon said troops would remain unarmed.
The Guard has not joined local police operations. Federal agencies and city officers continue law enforcement duties. Guard members are posted near landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon confirmed troops will carry their service weapons in line with training and mission. It remains unclear if their role will change.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not commented.
Trump praises results of crackdown
Speaking in the Oval Office, Trump said the mission brought total safety to Washington. He described the capital as dangerous before deployment but claimed it is safe now. He praised the mission and suggested expanding it to Chicago.
Trump said as many as 1,700 Guardsmen will mobilise in 19 states in the coming weeks. Texas will host the largest number. Guardsmen will support immigration enforcement and act as deterrents.
Trump also said he may declare a national emergency when the 30-day deployment ends. That step would allow him to keep troops indefinitely. He stressed he would use the measure if conditions worsen.
Opposition grows among city leaders
Several Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, already sent forces to the crackdown. Trump also announced he will ask Congress for $2 billion to beautify Washington. Earlier this year, Congress 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 firearms, including 40 arrests on Thursday alone.
Local officials questioned the need for federal intervention. Mayor Bowser highlighted a major fall in crime, calling it the lowest in 30 years.
A recent poll by the Washington Post and Schar School revealed strong opposition. Nearly 80 percent of residents opposed both federal officers and the National Guard, as well as federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department.
