CHICAGO (AP) — Officials in Illinois are on high alert following President Donald Trump's controversial plan to deploy National Guard troops to the Chicago area. Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, expressed strong opposition, accusing Trump of using troops as political props.
As many as 300 Illinois National Guard troops and 400 from Texas may soon arrive in response to ongoing protests and heightened federal immigration enforcement. Pritzker criticized the move, stating that it aims to portray cities like Chicago as lawless.
A legal challenge has emerged, with a federal hearing set for Thursday after a lawsuit was filed claiming the deployment is unlawful and dangerous. Critics, including Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, argue that military intervention will only escalate tensions rather than resolve them.
The National Guard's potential involvement coincides with intensified protests against immigration policies, particularly in areas heavily populated by immigrants. Despite assurances from the Trump administration about the necessity of military support to combat crime, leaders in Illinois and Oregon assert that this presence is unwarranted and exacerbates existing issues.
Residents remain anxious amidst the heightened federal enforcement and locally driven protests. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also stepped in, suing the federal government for allegedly fostering violence against peaceful demonstrations.
While President Trump looks to deploy troops in several U.S. cities based on crime statistics, local leaders call for different approaches to address community safety and immigration without resorting to military involvement.
