Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized 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 to Illinois. He accused Trump of manufacturing a crisis to expand federal influence.
Trump has already stationed about 2,000 troops in Washington DC. The city’s Democratic leaders opposed the deployment. Trump presents it as part of a nationwide crackdown on crime.
On Friday, he indicated that Chicago and New York could be next.
Chicago mayor warns of rising tensions
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he received no official notice about the National Guard deployment. He voiced serious concerns about the plan. He described it as uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned the deployment could heighten tensions between residents and police. He added it could undermine progress in reducing crime across the city.
Pentagon arms National Guard in Washington
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered National Guard troops in Washington DC to carry weapons. The decision reversed previous Pentagon guidance. Last week, officials said troops would remain unarmed.
So far, Guard members have not participated in law enforcement. Local officers and federal agencies continue policing duties. Troops remain stationed near landmarks including the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon said troops will carry weapons consistent with training and mission. It remains unclear whether this signals a broader role.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not commented on the order.
Trump praises deployment and hints at 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 extending 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
Several Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, already contributed 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 operation began. She said authorities seized 91 illegal firearms, including 40 arrests on Thursday.
Local officials 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 takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.
