Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized President Donald Trump’s plan to send the National Guard to Chicago. He called it an abuse of power.
Pritzker argued no emergency exists that would justify deploying troops in Illinois. He accused Trump of creating a crisis for political reasons.
Trump has already sent about 2,000 troops to Washington DC. The city’s Democratic leaders opposed the move. Trump frames the deployment as part of a nationwide effort to crack down on crime.
On Friday, he said Chicago and New York could be next.
Chicago mayor warns of heightened tensions
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he received no official notice about National Guard deployment. He voiced serious concerns about the plan. He called it uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned the move could inflame tensions between residents and police. He added it might reverse progress in reducing crime across the city.
Pentagon orders armed National Guard in Washington
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth directed National Guard troops in Washington DC to carry weapons. The order reversed previous Pentagon guidance. Just last week, officials said the troops would remain unarmed.
So far, the Guard has not participated in police operations. Local officers and federal agencies continue law enforcement duties. Guardsmen remain stationed near landmarks such as the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon confirmed troops will carry weapons in line with their training and mission. It remains unclear if their role in the city will expand.
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 before the Guard arrived but is now secure. He praised the troops and suggested expanding the operation to Chicago.
He announced 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 a deterrent.
Trump added he may declare a national emergency once the 30-day mission ends. That would allow him to keep troops indefinitely. He said he would act if conditions required it.
Local leaders push back strongly
Several Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, already sent forces. 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 91 illegal firearms had been seized, including 40 arrests on Thursday.
Local leaders questioned the need for federal intervention. Mayor Bowser highlighted a sharp decline in crime, calling it the lowest in 30 years.
A Washington Post and Schar School poll revealed strong opposition. Nearly 80 percent of residents opposed both the Guard deployment and federal control of the Metropolitan Police Department.
