Troops vs. Community: The Chicago Crime Debate

Tue Oct 21 2025 06:31:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As President Trump considers deploying National Guard troops to Chicago to combat rising crime, local leaders and families impacted by violence express skepticism about the effectiveness of such measures.

In light of President Trump's potential deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago, many residents question whether military presence will truly address the city's troubling violent crime rates. Victims' families, like Delphine Cherry, who lost her children to gun violence, voice concerns over safety and the need for community-focused solutions instead. Local leaders advocate for more funding for violence prevention rather than military action, suggesting that the approach must be grounded in community support and resources to make a lasting impact.

Delphine Cherry knows as well as anyone how intractable violent crime is in Chicago. Her teenage daughter was gunned down in 1992 during a gang shootout, and in 2012, her son was killed in the suburbs. You don't think it's going to happen twice in your life, she reflects.

With President Trump suggesting a possible deployment of National Guard troops to combat crime in Chicago, tension is brewing. While crime rates remain a major concern, city leaders and families like Cherry's are skeptical about the effectiveness of military presence. Many believe resources should be directed towards community support rather than increased military force.

A Call for Community Resources

Residents argue that sending in troops is merely political theater, rather than a genuine solution to the issues plaguing the city. Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker emphasize the need for more federal funding for prevention programs instead of martial law tactics.

Cherry has become an anti-violence advocate through her pain. She believes that sending troops can create more danger than safety, stating, They’re not going to ask questions. Similarly, Trevon Bosley, a victim's brother, highlights that better funding could transform the community and improve safety.

Community Voices Matter

As debates continue about the effectiveness of deploying troops in Chicago, victims' families and local leaders stress the importance of addressing root causes of crime through sustainable community-based solutions. A shift in focus from military presence to community support could lead to a more hopeful future for the Windy City.