Following the deployment of National Guards in Washington D.C., President Donald Trump is planning to deploy military personnel in Chicago, Illinois. According to a report by the Washington Post, the Pentagon has been working on plans for military deployment in Chicago for several weeks. Over a thousand National Guards could arrive in Chicago by September. Trump had ordered the deployment of 800 National Guards in Washington on August 12, stating that it was being done to improve the deteriorating law and order situation in the capital. Trump’s decision is related to actions on crime, illegal immigration, and the homeless.
Trump had hinted on Friday that he was eyeing Chicago. He said that there was disorder in Chicago, and they have an unqualified mayor, a very unqualified one, and we may fix that next time. Trump also mentioned the names of other cities he wanted to ‘clean up.’ Officials involved in the matter say that the plan for military intervention in Chicago has been in the works for a long time. ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) is working with the city to search for illegal immigrants.
Mayors and state governors have strongly criticized Trump’s statements about taking over cities. Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said that Trump is trying to spread chaos. Pritzker said that Trump used Los Angeles and Washington D.C. as testing grounds for authoritarian encroachment and is now thinking about taking over other states and cities. The Governor added that Trump’s goal is to create fear among people and destabilize current public safety efforts, and he is misusing his power. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed serious concern over Trump’s statements and future plans, saying that the President’s perspective is wrong and full of sophistry.
President Trump has used the 1970 Home Rule Act to deploy the National Guard in Washington D.C. This gives the President the authority to take control of the city’s police for up to 48 hours in an emergency. If the President informs the parliamentary committees that make laws related to Washington D.C., police control can be maintained for a longer period. However, it is not yet clear whether Trump has given this formal notice. According to the rule, if control over the city is to be maintained for more than 30 days, it is necessary to pass a law in Parliament.
