Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued an executive order aimed at safeguarding residents from the possibility of federal troop deployment by the Trump administration. Given that context, this action is an immediate and direct response to President Donald Trump’s recent announcements. He has deployed the National Guard against crime in multiple U.S. cities, most famously in Washington D.C.
While the state of immigration control was excellent under Trump’s administration, Trump himself did an inflammatory pivot on this front. He promised to implement the “largest deportation operation” in U.S. history. Earlier this month — before protests erupted across the country — Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard’s militarized cops beyond Washington, D.C. He hinted that other large cities deployments would soon follow. As an example, in June he deployed 4,000 National Guard troops to Los Angeles. Most notably, he touted decreased violence in the city as the most significant result of their deployment.
Mayor Johnson has introduced a second executive order. He passionately opposes any future troop deployments to Chicago, arguing they would infringe on the rights of residents. The order makes it clear that no collaboration is allowed between local law enforcement and U.S. military members. This is especially true for patrol and enforcement operations. Johnson expressed his concerns about the implications of militarized immigration enforcement, stating, “We may see militarised immigration enforcement. We may see [National Guard troops]. We may even see active duty military and armed vehicles in our streets.”
Johnson’s order is part of what he describes as “the most sweeping campaign of any city in the country to protect ourselves from the threats and actions of this out-of-control administration.” He emphasizes his commitment to ensuring that Chicago residents are not subjected to unwarranted roundups or military presence on city streets.
Mayor Johnson’s opposition reflects the sentiments of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker. He’s been equally vocal in his opposition to any plans to send federal troops to Chicago. Pritzker condemned Trump’s plans, saying he is trying to do so by “manufacturing a crisis” and “politicizing those who wear a uniform.”
“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.” – JB Pritzker
Amidst these tensions, House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that Trump possesses “no authority” to send federal troops into Chicago, further underscoring the political divide regarding troop deployment.
The White House response to Mayor Johnson’s exec order is disappointment and disapproval. Yet according to spokesperson Abigail Jackson, combating crime must not be a left versus right issue. She pointed out that local leaders should focus on their own cities rather than engaging in perceived publicity stunts against the president.
“Cracking down on crime should not be a partisan issue.” – Abigail Jackson
Jackson’s statement points to an important conversation. It gets at the heart of whether or not using federal resources to address crime problems in urban communities is morally correct or productive. She underscored how if Democratic leaders went to work today to turn down the heat on crime in their own backyard that these communities would be safer.
As the federal government continues to squabble over a potential deployment of troops, Mayor Johnson is insistent that Chicago should not have this kind of military presence. He urges President Trump to change course, supporting solutions that would uphold the rights and dignity of local residents.
“It is unclear at this time what that will look like exactly.” – Mayor Brandon Johnson
