CHICAGO – Mayor Brandon Johnson has firmly rejected the idea of federal troops patrolling Chicago’s streets, following proposals from former President Trump to expand the presence of the National Guard in cities across the United States. Trump’s stated aim is to combat crime and increase the enforcement of immigration laws.

“We do not want military control points or armored vehicles on our streets, and we don’t want families to be torn apart,” Johnson said in a statement on Saturday, August 30.

trump has reportedly instructed the National Guard to prepare for increased involvement in managing civil unrest,perhaps extending deployments to cities like Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.

Federal Intervention Plans Draw Criticism

“I have faced Donald Trump and will do everything in my power to prevent him from taking people to take their rights and use the military to intervene in states.”

Reports surfaced earlier this month detailing Pentagon plans for a potential military operation in Chicago, with the possibility of expansion to other cities. The Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency has also sought to utilize a naval base near Chicago as a staging area for immigration enforcement actions.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has denounced the plan as both illegal and needless. “I have faced Donald Trump and will do everything in my power to prevent him from taking people to take their rights and use the military to intervene in states,” said Pritzker on sunday in the CBS-show “Face the Nation”. Trump had sharply criticized him on Truth Social the day before.

In response, Trump posted on Truth Social, “JB Pritzker, the weak and pitiful governor of Illinois, just said that he doesn’t need help in fighting crime. He is crazy !!! He should clarify that as soon as possible, otherwise we will come!”

Declining Crime Rates in Chicago

Chicago has experienced a decrease in crime rates in recent years. According to the Chicago police Department, the city saw a 23 percent reduction in violent crimes compared to the same period last year.

The response in Chicago contrasts with the approach in Washington, D.C., where Mayor Muriel E. Bowser initially welcomed the National Guard. US prosecutor Jeanine pirro stated on “Fox News Sunday” that over 1,500 arrests were made in connection with the operation.

Republicans have generally supported trump’s actions. Senator Marsha Blackburn stated, “President Donald Trump was right from the start and I think people are grateful for it. Everyone wants their community to be safe.”

Federal Focus on Immigration Enforcement

Unlike Washington D.C., which is subject to greater federal control, cities like Chicago and Los Angeles have more autonomy. The Trump management previously deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles in June in response to protests against immigration enforcement policies. the government has since argued that the operation was prosperous and should be replicated elsewhere.

Minister of Internal Security, Kristi L. Noem, stated on “Face the Nation” that “LA would no longer exist today if President Trump had not taken measures. The city would have burned down if they had been left to the measures of the mayor and the governor of this state.” She added that the administration has not ruled out deploying troops in other cities struggling with crime.

Potential Deployments in Other Cities

Noem encouraged cities like San Francisco, Boston, and Chicago to collaborate with the federal government to enhance public safety.Trump also threatened to deploy troops in Baltimore, leading to a dispute with Maryland governor Wes Moore.

The legality of these deployments remains uncertain, with judges questioning