This browser does not support the Video element.
Washington Post: Pentagon plans military deployment in Chicago
The Washington Post is reporting that the Pentagon has been working on a plan for weeks that could potentially deploy thousands of National Guard troops here in Chicago.
CHICAGO - Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker have responded after reports say the Pentagon plans a military deployment to Chicago.
This comes one day after President Donald Trump said that Chicago could be next in his administration’s effort to crack down on crime.
What we know:
According to the Washington Post, the Pentagon has planned a military deployment to Chicago for weeks. It could include mobilizing a few thousand members of the National Guard in September.
Pritzker said in a statement, "The State of Illinois at this time has received no requests or outreach from the federal government asking if we need assistance, and we have made no requests for federal intervention.
The safety of the people of Illinois is always my top priority. There is no emergency that warrants the President of the United States federalizing the Illinois National Guard, deploying the National Guard from other states, or sending active duty military within our own borders.
Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he is causing working families.
We will continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect the people of Illinois."
Johnson released a statement on Sunday afternoon, saying:
"We are in active communication with our counterparts at the County and the State as we prepare for any potential unconstitutional military deployments to Chicago. The Governor, the Cook County Board President, and I are in complete alignment: Chicago is not calling for a military occupation of our city. We are currently evaluating all of our legal options to protect the people of Chicago from unconstitutional federal overreach.
In Chicago, we have effectively reduced all forms of violent crime by doing what works: constitutional policing, violence prevention, and investing in our communities. This past year alone, we have seen a more than 30% reduction in homicides, a 35% reduction in robberies, and an almost 40% reduction in shootings. We need to keep building on this work.
No matter what happens, the City of Chicago will not waver. We are Chicago. We will not bend or cower, and we will never break."
RELATED: Trump says Chicago could be next for National Guard crime crackdown
This browser does not support the Video element.
President of the Civic Federation of Chicago weighs in on military deployment report
Joining us to talk more about this is Joe Ferguson, President of the Civic Federation of Chicago and formerly Chicago's Inspector General.
According to Joe Ferguson, President of the Civic Federation of Chicago and formerly Chicago's Inspector General, said that it would be illegal to send in the National Guard for law enforcement purposes. However, there are a few exceptions to that act, including insurrection and a few other federal statutes.
"We're living in an age in which what is happening out of Washington is irrespective of whether something as a matter of tradition and general understanding of the law would appear to be unlawful or unconstitutional," Ferguson said. "The administration in Washington takes action first and litigates second."
What they're saying:
"Tonight’s reporting from the Washington Post that President Trump is preparing to deploy federal troops in Chicago proves what we all know: he is willing to go to any lengths possible to create chaos if it means more political power—no matter who gets hurt.
"As Lieutenant Governor and throughout my career, I’ve fervently fought for the reformation of our criminal legal system and under the Pritzker-Stratton administration, we’ve made tremendous progress. Crime in Chicago is declining and there’s absolutely no rationale for this decision, other than to distract from the pain Trump is inflicting on working families with his dangerous agenda.
"Illinois, Governor Pritzker and I are here to stand for your rights, your freedoms, and will protect you against whatever storms of hate and fear come our way."— Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton
"What President Trump is doing in DC is purely political theater. His actions are creating chaos and sowing fear rather than making our nation’s capital safer, and now he says Chicago will be his next target. Chicago is a beautiful, vibrant city with people from all walks of life, which I see firsthand all the time. While there is more work to do, violent crime in the city has significantly declined in recent years. These unprecedented threats and manufactured emergencies from President Trump are nothing more than a power grab to distract from his disastrous policies like ripping 17 million people off their health care and raising costs for Americans. We should be focusing on proven bipartisan solutions to continue to reduce violent crime rather than using our brave men and women in uniform for political purposes." — U.S. Senator Dick Durbin
The Source: Details for this story are from the Washington Post and X.