An American government representative told ABC News on Sunday that the Department of Defense is working on strategies regarding the possible deployment of National Guard members in Chicago.
A representative from the Pentagon stated, "We will not comment on additional actions. The department serves as a planning body and is consistently collaborating with various agency partners to develop strategies for safeguarding federal property and staff."
Mayor Brandon Johnson states he is communicating with local and state authorities, yet mentions he has not received any communication from the White House. He described a potential activation of the National Guard in Chicago as "expensive, unlawful, and against the Constitution."
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Citing a report from The Washington Post , Johnson aligned with Illinois officials in criticizing President Donald Trump's planned increase regarding his initiatives to combat criminal activity after sending the National Guard to Washington, D.C.
"Courageous individuals who enlisted to defend our nation never agreed to take over U.S. cities," Johnson stated.
As reported by The Washington Post, the Department of Defense has been preparing for a military presence in Chicago for many weeks. The newspaper further states that various strategies are being considered, such as deploying thousands of National Guard personnel to Chicago starting in September to address issues like criminal activity, poverty, and unauthorized entry into the country.
In a release, a representative from the Pentagon stated, "We will not comment on additional actions. The department serves as a strategic body and is consistently collaborating with various partner agencies to develop strategies for safeguarding government property and staff."
"This president's actions go beyond being unlawful; they pose a serious danger to our democratic system," Johnson stated.
The mayor stated he hasn't received any communication from the White House since President Trump's Friday comments that he will increase National Guard presence in cities beyond Washington.
Our team is actively communicating with officials at both the county and state levels as we get ready for any possible unconstitutional use of the military in Chicago," Johnson stated in a message released on Sunday. "The Governor, the president of the Cook County Board, and I share the same view: Chicago isn’t asking for a military takeover of our city. Right now, we're looking into every available legal option to defend residents of Chicago against unlawful federal actions. In Chicago, we've successfully lowered various types of violent crimes through effective methods like lawful law enforcement, preventing violence, and supporting community development. Just last year, we witnessed a decrease of more than 30% in murders, a drop of 35% in thefts, and nearly a 40% decline in gun incidents. It’s crucial that we continue advancing these efforts. Regardless of what comes next, the City of Chicago won't back down. We are Chicago. We won't bow or retreat, and we'll remain strong under pressure.
The president has described Chicago as extremely unsafe, yet according to crime statistics compiled by the ABC7 data team from the Chicago Police Department, current year-to-date figures indicate an overall decrease of 13% in crime, a reduction of 23% in violent offenses, and a drop of 11% in property-related crimes when compared to the previous year.
President Trump's activities in Washington D.C. are simply political performance. His behavior is generating disorder and spreading anxiety instead of enhancing safety in the nation’s capital, and he claims Chicago will be his upcoming focus," stated Illinois U.S. Senator Dick Durbin in an announcement on Sunday. "Chicago is a lovely, lively city populated by individuals from every background, something I witness daily. Although additional efforts remain necessary, violence rates have dropped considerably over recent years. The extreme threats and fabricated crises coming from President Trump are merely attempts at gaining influence, diverting attention away from his harmful policies such as removing 17 million citizens from their healthcare coverage and increasing expenses for American families. Our priority ought to be implementing effective bipartisan approaches to further decrease incidents of violent crime, not exploiting our courageous military personnel for partisan reasons.
"Having served as commander-in-chief during both of his terms, he has only sent troops into American cities, not abroad—just consider what that signifies for our nation," said former Chicago mayor Rahm Emanuel.
During a visit at the UIC Forum Sunday, Vermont U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders had harsh words for the president.
"This is a populist who uses their role in life to support the elite class and attempt to split us apart," Sanders stated.
Local officials claim Trump's intentions are unrelated to reducing criminal activity, labeling it as a political maneuver.
"Another move towards authoritarian rule, as he functions like a dictator," said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton addressed the Washington Post article on Saturday.
Illinois currently hasn’t gotten any inquiries or communication from the federal government regarding whether we require help, nor have we sought federal support," stated Illinois Governor JB Pritzker in a message released on Saturday. "Ensuring the well-being of Illinois residents remains my highest concern. No situation exists that justifies the president federalizing the Illinois National Guard, bringing in troops from other states, or dispatching active-duty forces inside our state boundaries. Donald Trump is trying to fabricate an issue, turn American service members into political tools, and misuse his authority to divert attention away from the suffering he’s inflicting on hardworking families. We remain committed to adhering to legal procedures, defending our state's independence, and safeguarding the citizens of Illinois.
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The Washington Post reported tonight that President Trump is planning to send federal troops to Chicago, which confirms what everyone knows: he is ready to do anything necessary to cause turmoil in order to gain more political influence—regardless of whom it harms," stated Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton in a release on Saturday. "As Lieutenant Governor and during my entire professional life, I have strongly advocated for reforming our justice system. Under the Pritzker-Stratton leadership, significant advancements have been achieved. Crime rates in Chicago continue to drop, and there is simply no justification for this move except as an attempt to divert attention from the damage Trump’s harmful policies are causing to hardworking families. Illinois, Governor Pritzker, and I remain committed to defending your rights and liberties, standing firm against any waves of hatred and fear that may arise.
Mayor Johnson attended a neighborhood gathering on Saturday morning, discussing issues related to criminal activity within the city.
Having one shooting or one murder is more than enough, which is exactly why this neighborhood group matters so much today—it serves as a reminder of the ongoing effort needed," Johnson stated. "Take a look at all these young individuals and their families present right now. This reflects what Chicago truly represents. The image portrayed by the federal government is misleading. We care for each other, stand behind each other. We embrace one another, pour resources into one another, because we understand that we are each other’s greatest guardians.
On Friday, Trump stated that Chicago is expected to be the next location of interest. his initiatives aimed at reducing crime, addressing homelessness, and combating unauthorized migration during a speech held in the Oval Office.
Trump suggested that the Midwest city might face comparable actions as those taken in Washington, D.C., where he has sent 2,000 soldiers onto the streets.
"I think Chicago will be our next," Trump told reporters at the White House, later adding, "And then we'll help with New York."
Trump has consistently labeled several of the country's biggest cities—led by Democrats, featuring Black mayors, and having predominantly minority populations—as unsafe and unclean.
He specifically mentioned Chicago on Friday, describing it as a "disaster" and noting that people living there are "begging us to arrive."
"Probably next, we'll fix that one. It will be our next step following this," Trump stated.
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The president, who was sitting in the Oval Office and wearing a red hat that said, "Trump Was Right About Everything," claimed people in Chicago are "wearing red hats just like this one."
He stated, "African American women, lovely women, are pleading, 'Please, President Trump, visit Chicago, we beg you.'"
Certain individuals in Chicago support the president's initiatives.
"Crime has gotten out of hand, so there must be some form of law and order. If this administration isn't able to handle it, neither could the Johnson administration... so yes, we need the National Guard," stated Zoe Leigh from Chicago Flips Red.
Mayor Johnson has promised to take legal steps if the Guard is used in Chicago, although it remains uncertain how this would affect things. Several weeks following the deployment of National Guard forces to Los Angeles during large-scale demonstrations about immigration enforcement operations, a court still hasn't decided on California's case.
ABC News and the Associated Press assisted in preparing this report. ABC News and the Associated Press played a role in this reporting. This report was supported by contributions from ABC News and the Associated Press. Input provided by ABC News and the Associated Press for this story. Collaboration with ABC News and the Associated Press helped shape this coverage.