500 National Guard Troops Deploy to Chicago Despite Gov. Pritzker’s Opposition
Approximately 500 National Guard troops have been deployed to the Chicago area for an initial duration of 60 days. This deployment occurs amid ongoing legal disputes concerning the action. U.S. Northern Command confirmed the mobilization on Wednesday.
Details of the Deployment
The contingent consists of around 200 personnel from various Texas National Guard units and roughly 300 from the Illinois National Guard. These troops are primarily stationed at the Army Reserve Center in Elwood, located about an hour southwest of Chicago.
Reasons for Deployment
The National Guard troops will support U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and other federal personnel. Their mission includes protecting federal property and enforcing federal laws.
Political Responses
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has publicly condemned this deployment. He described it as an unconstitutional invasion and indicated that he would not tolerate using the National Guard for political purposes. Pritzker stated, “We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s Invasion.”
- Governor Pritzker criticized the use of troops, claiming they should not be utilized as political tools.
- Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed this sentiment, asserting the unjust nature of the situation.
Legal Action Against Deployment
The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago have filed a lawsuit aiming to prevent the federal administration from deploying the National Guard within city limits. This legal action underscores the contentious climate surrounding the deployment of federal troops.
Comments from Officials
President Donald Trump has intensified the political discourse, suggesting that both Pritzker and Johnson should be jailed for their opposition. He has portrayed the deployment as a necessary measure for maintaining law and order amid rising crime rates.
Responses from Officials
In response to Trump’s remarks, Pritzker emphasized his commitment to resistance against perceived authoritarian actions. Similarly, Mayor Johnson stated, “I’m not going anywhere,” reaffirming his position against the administration’s approach.
National Context
This deployment in Chicago occurs concurrently with efforts to send National Guard troops to other cities, such as Portland, Oregon. However, a judge recently issued a temporary restraining order blocking those moves, highlighting the ongoing legal disputes associated with such actions.
As these developments unfold, local and national discussions regarding the role of the National Guard and federal intervention in urban areas continue to intensify.
