National Guard Prepares Chicago Deployment Amid Federal Crime Surge

President Donald Trump announced plans to send the National Guard and additional federal agents, including ICE, to Chicago as part of a federal crime crackdown, despite opposition from Illinois officials. Governor J.B. Pritzker indicated that the National Guard could begin operations as soon as this weekend, with staging already underway at Naval Station Great Lakes, and mentioned that many agents are being relocated from Los Angeles. Pritzker criticized the deployment as politically motivated and unnecessary, warning Chicago residents to avoid provoking incidents that could justify further military action. Illinois lawmakers, including Congresswoman Delia Ramirez, Congressman Chuy Garcia, and Senator Dick Durbin, have voiced concerns about the legality and targeting of immigrant and minority communities. Texas Governor Greg Abbott denied reports that the Texas National Guard is preparing to deploy to Chicago, contradicting Pritzker's claims. The White House praised the federal intervention, highlighting its success in Washington, D.C., and urged Democratic leaders to cooperate for safer communities.