President Donald Trump said Tuesday he will order federal law enforcement intervention in Chicago and Baltimore to address crime, even as governors, mayors and residents in both cities voiced opposition.
When asked in the Oval Office about the possibility of sending National Guard troops to Chicago, Trump said, “We’re going in,” but added, “I didn’t say when.” He continued, “I have an obligation. This isn’t a political thing.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a possible 2028 Democratic presidential candidate, dismissed the idea of federal troops or agents being deployed in Chicago, saying such measures were unnecessary and unwanted. Leaders in Baltimore, including Democratic Gov. Wes Moore, also oppose federal involvement.
Trump has already ordered National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where he federalized the police force. He has said more Democrat-led cities could see similar moves, despite a federal judge ruling Tuesday that the California deployment was unlawful.
The president praised Washington Mayor Muriel Bowser for cooperating with federal forces but criticized Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. He said he would welcome a request from Illinois officials but added, “Now, we’re going to do it anyway. We have the right to do it.”
Pritzker called Trump’s remarks “unhinged” and insisted he would not ask for federal troops. At a press conference with Johnson and other officials, he rejected Trump’s description of Chicago as “the world’s most dangerous city.” Johnson said the city’s violence stems from guns trafficked from nearby states, particularly Republican-led Indiana.
The first state contact about federal action came on Saturday, when Illinois State Police received a call from Gregory Bovino, chief of the Border Patrol’s El Centro, California, sector, saying immigration agents would be sent to Chicago. Pritzker said no details were provided. He urged residents to remain calm, look out for each other, and record interactions with federal agents. “Authoritarians thrive on your silence,” he said. “Be loud for America.”
Chicago has been preparing for the prospect of federal presence, with activist groups and pastors organizing demonstrations. Protest schedules were already being circulated, promising immediate action if troops or agents arrive. In a letter sent Tuesday, dozens of pastors urged Trump to prioritize underfunded schools and unemployment. “To the faithful of Chicago, I say this: prepare your hearts for resistance,” the letter read.
Federal attention has recently focused on Chicago’s crime figures, citing shootings over Labor Day weekend as justification for action. Chicago’s homicide rate was 21.7 per 100,000 residents in 2024, lower than several major U.S. cities, but the city recorded 573 homicides that year, the most in the nation. City data shows shootings and homicides declined by more than 30% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the state will sue once federal intervention begins.
Trump also said intervention was necessary in Baltimore. “I have an obligation to protect this country, and that includes Baltimore,” he said. Moore’s spokesperson David Turner reiterated the governor’s opposition, calling the use of the National Guard “theatrical and not sustainable.” Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott pointed to historic declines in gun violence, noting August recorded the lowest number of homicides ever. Scott accused Trump of using racist rhetoric and targeting Black-led cities.
Trump said his efforts in Washington made the city “a safe zone. We have no crime.” The White House said more than 1,650 people have been arrested since federal mobilization began on Aug. 7. “And this city was really bad,” Trump said. “We’re really proud of” the results in Washington.
Source : APNews.com
