Illinois Leaders Reject Trump's Proposed Federal Policing in Chicago Amid Crime Crackdown Debate

During recent remarks, former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, calling them 'incompetent.' Trump pledged to end the policy of 'no cash bail' and suggested he would take aggressive steps to address crime in Chicago if elected. He also hinted at the possibility of a federal takeover of the Chicago police force. In the same context, Trump mentioned that he has identified five U.S. cities where deployment of the National Guard would go further under his plan, though he did not provide detailed timelines or operational specifics. These statements form part of his broader proposed crime crackdown policies targeted at urban areas he described as having high rates of violence.

On a date not specified, President Donald Trump announced the deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C., and issued a warning to Chicago and other cities with high crime rates. He criticized Chicago’s crime statistics and its 'no cash bail' policy, stating his intention to end such practices in the city. Trump also addressed Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker directly, placing him and Chicago’s leadership 'on notice' for potential federal intervention.

The announcement included instructions for immediate deployment of Guard troops to Washington, D.C., though exact troop numbers and operational details were not shared. Trump tied the federal government’s readiness to intervene to the speed and effectiveness of local crime control efforts, suggesting that failure to meet expectations could result in direct federal action.

While no exact timeline or logistics were explained for intervention in Chicago, Trump indicated that his aim would be to reduce violent crime and reverse certain bail reforms. His remarks are consistent with prior threats to take direct federal measures in cities experiencing surges in crime.

On Monday, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, joined by other government officials, business, civic, and faith leaders, held a press conference in downtown Chicago to oppose President Donald Trump's consideration of deploying National Guard troops to Chicago to fight crime. ABC News confirmed that planning for a potential deployment is underway, although no official decision has been made. A Pentagon spokesperson stated, "We won’t speculate on further operations. The Department is a planning organization and is continuously working with other agency partners on plans to protect federal assets and personnel."

Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson stated that there has been no communication from the Trump administration regarding such a deployment. They argued that the measure is unwarranted and unnecessary because crime is reportedly falling in Chicago. Mayor Johnson remarked, "The last thing that Chicagoans want is someone from the outside of our city who doesn't know our city try to dictate and tell us what our city needs." The officials warned that deploying the National Guard could disrupt businesses and the economy, and called for peaceful protest. Gov. Pritzker declared, "To any federal official who would come to Chicago and try to incite my people into violence as a pretext for something darker and more dangerous, we are watching, and we are taking names."

Pritzker stated that he has not requested federal intervention. President Trump said on Monday that he is prepared, if necessary, to send troops, but believes local officials should be asking for assistance, stating, "Chicago, everybody knows how bad it is. Everybody standing there knows. We know. You don't have to be doing any studies. They should be saying, Please, come in." Trump referenced his deployment of the National Guard to Washington, D.C. as a success, while Chicago officials maintained there is no need for similar action in their city.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has called President Donald Trump's plan to deploy federal troops to Chicago an abuse of power, stating that there is no emergency that justifies sending the National Guard to Illinois. In a statement, Pritzker accused the president of attempting to manufacture a crisis. Trump has already deployed about 2,000 troops to Washington, D.C., and on Friday said he would implement a similar policy in Chicago and New York, both Democrat-controlled cities.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement saying he had not received information about the deployment and expressed grave concerns, describing the president's approach as uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound. Johnson warned that the "unlawful deployment" could inflame tensions between residents and law enforcement and threaten progress in reducing crime.

According to The Washington Post, the Pentagon has been planning a military deployment to Chicago for weeks, with options that could involve sending at least a few thousand National Guard members to the city as soon as next month. Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton criticized the proposal, saying, "There is absolutely no rationale for this decision, other than to distract from the pain Trump is inflicting on working families with his dangerous agenda."

Meanwhile, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered National Guard personnel patrolling the streets of Washington, D.C., to be armed as part of the Trump administration’s efforts to address crime in the city. The Pentagon stated that National Guard troops will soon be on mission with their security partner agencies. President Trump has described Chicago as a "mess" and stated, "I think Chicago will be our next."