Credited from: SCMP
President Donald Trump has announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, describing it as the "most dangerous city in the world." His statement follows a violent Labor Day weekend where 54 individuals were shot, including eight fatalities. "Chicago will be safe again, and soon," Trump declared, hinting that federal intervention would mirror his previous military actions in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, according to trtglobal and abcnews.
Local leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, strongly oppose Trump's plan. Pritzker labeled the potential intervention as an "invasion," and Johnson asserted that Chicago does not need military support, stating, "No federal troops in the city of Chicago!" Local officials argue that crime rates have actually been declining in the city, with homicides down by over 30% in recent months, as noted by newsweek and channelnewsasia.
Moreover, a recent federal court ruling found that Trump's use of the National Guard in Los Angeles violated laws prohibiting military involvement in domestic law enforcement. Judge Charles Breyer warned against the creation of a "national police force," suggesting Trump's efforts could face significant legal hurdles if he proceeds with deployment to Chicago, according to thehill and cbsnews.
Trump's comments regarding Chicago and potential deployments elsewhere, such as Baltimore and even New Orleans, have stirred political controversy. While he claims that crime management necessitates military aid, local officials maintain that their law enforcement agencies are effectively addressing crime issues without such measures. Critics see this move as politically motivated, particularly within the context of Trump's ongoing conflicts with Democratic leaders, as highlighted by channelnewsasia and aljazeera.