Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard in Chicago. He called it an abuse of power.
Pritzker said no emergency justifies sending troops into Illinois. He accused Trump of creating a crisis to justify federal intervention.
Trump has already sent about 2,000 troops to Washington DC. The city’s Democratic leadership opposes the measure. Trump presents the deployment as part of a nationwide crackdown on crime.
On Friday, he said Chicago and New York could be next.
Chicago mayor warns of rising tensions
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he received no official notice about troop deployment. He expressed serious concern about the plan. He described it as uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned the move could increase tensions between residents and police. He added it could reverse progress made in reducing crime.
Pentagon arms National Guard in Washington
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered National Guard troops in Washington DC to carry weapons. The move reversed previous Pentagon guidance. Just last week, officials said the Guard would remain unarmed.
So far, the Guard has not been involved in law enforcement. Local officers and federal agencies continue operations. Troops remain stationed near landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon said troops will carry weapons consistent with mission and training. It is unclear whether this signals a change in their role.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not commented on the decision.
Trump praises deployment and signals possible emergency powers
Trump said the Washington mission restored safety. He claimed the city had been unsafe but is now secure. He praised the troops and suggested extending the plan to Chicago.
He announced that 1,700 Guardsmen will deploy across 19 states in the coming weeks. Texas will host the largest number. The troops will support immigration enforcement and act as deterrents.
Trump added he may declare a national emergency after the 30-day mission ends. That would allow him to keep troops indefinitely. He stressed he would act if conditions demanded it.
Local opposition intensifies
Several Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, already sent troops. Trump also promised to request $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 officials questioned the need for federal intervention. Mayor Bowser pointed to a sharp decline in crime, calling it the lowest in 30 years.
A Washington Post and Schar School poll showed strong opposition. Nearly 80 percent of residents opposed the Guard deployment and federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department.
