Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned President Donald Trump’s plan to send troops to Chicago. He called it an abuse of power.
Pritzker said there is no emergency that justifies National Guard deployment in Illinois. He accused Trump of fabricating a crisis.
Trump already sent about 2,000 troops to Washington DC. The city’s Democratic leaders oppose the move. Trump presents the deployment as a fight against crime in major US cities.
On Friday, he announced that Chicago and New York could face the same measure.
Chicago mayor raises alarm
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said he had received no official notice about National Guard deployment. He voiced serious concerns about the idea. He called the plan uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.
Johnson warned that unlawful deployment could fuel tensions between residents and police. He said it could also undo progress in reducing crime.
Pentagon changes course in Washington
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the National Guard in Washington DC to carry weapons. The order marked a shift from the Pentagon’s earlier stance. Just last week, the Pentagon insisted troops would stay unarmed.
So far, the Guard has not joined law enforcement operations. Federal agencies and local police continue those duties. Guardsmen remain stationed near sites such as the National Mall and Union Station.
The Pentagon confirmed that troops will carry weapons in line with training and mission. It remains uncertain if this changes their role.
Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser has not yet spoken publicly on the order.
Trump insists mission is working
Trump declared the mission a success during remarks in the Oval Office. He said Washington had become safe after deployment. He praised the troops and suggested expanding the plan to Chicago.
He announced that up to 1,700 Guardsmen will mobilise in 19 states in coming weeks. Texas will see the largest presence. The Guardsmen will assist immigration enforcement and act as deterrents.
Trump also said he may declare a national emergency after the 30-day mission ends. That move would let him keep troops in place indefinitely. He said he would act if conditions do not improve.
City leaders push back
Republican-led states, including South Carolina and West Virginia, have already sent forces to the crackdown. Trump also pledged to ask Congress for $2 billion to beautify Washington. Earlier this year, Congress 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 guns had been seized, including 40 arrests on Thursday.
Local leaders question the need for federal action. Mayor Bowser highlighted a steep decline in crime, describing it as the lowest in 30 years.
A poll by the Washington Post and Schar School showed widespread disapproval. Nearly 80 percent of residents opposed both the National Guard deployment and federal takeover of the Metropolitan Police Department.
