Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned President Donald Trump’s plan to deploy the National Guard in Chicago. He said the move is an abuse of power.
Pritzker argued no emergency exists that would justify troop deployment in Illinois. He accused Trump of manufacturing a crisis for political gain.
Trump already deployed about 2,000 troops to Washington DC. The capital’s Democratic leaders rejected the measure. Trump portrays the action as part of a wider crackdown on crime in US cities.
On Friday, he said Chicago and New York could face the same response.
Chicago mayor warns of unrest and setbacks
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he received no official notice about National Guard deployment. He expressed serious concern about the president’s approach. He called the plan uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned the move could heighten tensions between residents and police. He added it might undo the city’s recent success 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 decision marked a reversal of Pentagon policy. Only last week, officials insisted the Guard would remain unarmed.
So far, Guard troops have not taken part in law enforcement. Federal agencies and city police continue to lead operations. Soldiers remain posted near landmarks including the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon confirmed troops will now carry weapons consistent with mission and training. It is unclear whether their duties in the capital will expand.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not commented on the order.
Trump praises deployment and weighs emergency powers
Trump said the Washington mission restored safety. He claimed the city was dangerous before the Guard arrived but secure now. He praised the troops and suggested the plan could extend to Chicago.
He also announced that 1,700 Guardsmen will deploy across 19 states in the coming weeks. Texas will host the largest share. The troops will back immigration enforcement and act as deterrents.
Trump warned he may declare a national emergency when the 30-day mission ends. That move would allow him to keep troops indefinitely. He said he would act if conditions did not improve.
Local resistance continues to build
Several Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, already contributed troops. Trump also vowed to ask Congress for $2 billion 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 91 illegal firearms had been seized, including 40 arrests on Thursday.
Local officials challenged the need for federal involvement. Mayor Bowser pointed to a major drop in crime, calling it the lowest in 30 years.
A Washington Post and Schar School poll revealed overwhelming opposition. Nearly 80 percent of residents opposed both the Guard deployment and federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.
