Poll Reveals Most Chicagoans Reject National Guard Policing
A recent survey reveals that many Chicago residents are against the idea of deploying the National Guard for policing in the city. Conducted by NORC at the University of Chicago, the ChicagoSpeaks poll indicates that 56% of respondents reject the use of military support for local law enforcement.
Key Findings from the ChicagoSpeaks Poll
The poll, conducted from September 16 to 29, highlights several concerns among Chicago residents regarding crime and federal intervention:
- Opposition to Military Assistance: 66% oppose the National Guard aiding in deportation efforts.
- Perception of Crime: 71% consider crime a major issue in Chicago, with 42% feeling it is a significant problem in their immediate neighborhood.
- Response to Federal Intervention: 69% believe it is unacceptable for the National Guard to control local police departments.
Context of the National Guard Deployment
These findings come amidst the backdrop of federal safety measures that led to the deployment of the Illinois National Guard. Initially authorized by President Donald Trump on October 4, the deployment included 300 troops from Illinois and additional support from Texas and California.
This action was framed by the administration as a response to “ongoing violent riots and lawlessness,” according to spokesperson Abigail Jackson. However, U.S. District Judge April Perry countered that view on October 9, blocking the federalization of the National Guard in Illinois for at least 14 days, citing a lack of credible evidence for claims of a rebellion.
Partisan Divide in Opinions
The poll results also reveal a notable partisan divide. Among Republicans surveyed, 79% supported the deployment of the National Guard for deportation operations. Conversely, 84% of Democrats opposed such federal intervention.
- Democrats: 70% oppose National Guard involvement in local policing.
- Republicans: 78% find military aid to local law enforcement acceptable.
Survey Methodology
The ChicagoSpeaks poll sampled 1,361 adults, aiming to reflect the diverse demographics of the city. The margin of error for the survey is reported at plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.
Overall, the sentiment in Chicago suggests a clear reluctance among residents to involve the National Guard in crime control efforts, emphasizing a desire for local solutions to local problems.
