Illinois Governor JB Pritzker denounced President Donald Trump’s plan to send troops to Chicago. He called the decision an abuse of power.
Pritzker said no emergency justifies bringing the National Guard to Illinois. He accused Trump of fabricating a crisis for political purposes.
Trump has already deployed about 2,000 troops to Washington DC. The city’s Democratic leaders oppose the move. Trump presents the deployment as part of a crackdown on urban crime.
On Friday, he announced that Chicago and New York could be targeted next.
Chicago mayor warns of rising conflict
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he had not received official notice about a National Guard mission. He voiced serious concern about the president’s approach. He described it as uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned that unlawful deployment could worsen tensions between police and residents. He added it could also weaken progress in reducing crime across the city.
National Guard in Washington now armed
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered National Guard troops in Washington DC to carry weapons. The move marked a major reversal of Pentagon policy. Just last week, officials said the troops would remain unarmed.
So far, Guard members have not taken part in law enforcement. Federal agencies and city police remain responsible for operations. Guardsmen are positioned near sites such as the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon said the troops will carry weapons in line with training and mission. It is unclear whether their role in the city will change.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not yet commented.
Trump claims success and eyes emergency powers
Trump said the Washington mission had restored safety in the city. He praised the troops and suggested the plan could extend to Chicago. He claimed the capital was dangerous before deployment but is safe now.
Trump said 1,700 Guardsmen will deploy in 19 states in the coming weeks. Texas will see the largest presence. The troops will support immigration enforcement and act as deterrents.
Trump also said he may declare a national emergency after the 30-day mission ends. That step would allow him to keep troops in Washington indefinitely. He insisted he would act if conditions did not improve.
Strong resistance among local leaders
Republican-led states such as South Carolina and West Virginia already sent troops. Trump also pledged 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 deployment began. She said authorities seized 91 illegal guns, including 40 arrests on Thursday.
Local officials questioned the necessity of federal involvement. Mayor Bowser pointed to a steep drop 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 both the National Guard deployment and federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department.
