After deploying National Guards in Washington D.C., President Donald Trump is now focusing on Chicago, Illinois, for a similar military presence. The Washington Post reports that the Pentagon has been preparing for a deployment in Chicago for several weeks. The plan includes the possible arrival of more than a thousand National Guard members in Chicago by September. This follows Trump’s previous order to deploy 800 National Guards in Washington D.C. on August 12th, which was framed as a measure to address the city’s law and order issues, particularly concerning crime, illegal immigration, and the homeless.
Trump hinted at this strategy on Friday, pointing out problems in Chicago and criticizing its mayor. He also mentioned other cities he intended to address. Sources indicate that the Chicago plan involves collaboration with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) to find and take action against illegal immigrants.
Trump’s statements have drawn strong criticism from city mayors and state governors. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker accused Trump of trying to create chaos, arguing that he used Los Angeles and Washington D.C. as models for authoritarian actions, and is now eyeing other cities. The governor stated that Trump’s goal is to sow fear and undermine public safety efforts, misusing his authority. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has also expressed serious concerns about Trump’s statements and his future plans, describing the President’s perspective as flawed.
Trump is using the 1970 Home Rule Act in Washington D.C. to justify the National Guard deployment, which gives him temporary control over the city’s police. Prolonging this control beyond the initial 48 hours requires notification to congressional committees. If the control is to extend past 30 days, a law must be passed by Congress. The fulfillment of these requirements is currently unknown.