Trump Vows to Send Federal Troops to Chicago: ‘We’re Going In’ to Curb Crime

President-elect Donald Trump speaks with reporters after meeting with Republican leaders at the Capitol, Friday, Jan. 8, 2025, in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. – President Donald Trump announced on September 2, 2025, that he plans to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago to address what he describes as rampant crime, stating, “We’re going in,” during a press conference in the Oval Office. The president did not provide a specific timeline for the deployment, adding, “I didn’t say when we’re going in,” but emphasized his obligation to protect the country, citing recent gun violence in Chicago as justification.

The move has sparked immediate backlash from Illinois officials, with Governor JB Pritzker calling it an “invasion” and a potential violation of constitutional limits on federal military deployment in states. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed this, declaring that the city’s police will not cooperate with federal troops and that such a deployment is “illegal and costly.” Pritzker and Johnson have vowed to pursue legal action if the plan proceeds, arguing there is no emergency warranting federal intervention. They cited a 30% reduction in homicides and a nearly 40% drop in shootings in Chicago in 2025 as evidence that local efforts are effective.

The Trump administration has reportedly been planning the deployment for weeks, with the Pentagon considering sending thousands of National Guard troops as early as September. The operation may also involve Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, with plans to target Chicago’s sanctuary city status and conduct immigration enforcement operations. Sources indicate that federal agents and military vehicles could be staged at locations like the Great Lakes Naval Base. This follows similar deployments in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, where Trump federalized National Guard units to address protests and crime, actions that have faced legal challenges.

Critics, including House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, have accused Trump of manufacturing a crisis to justify expanding executive power and targeting Democratic-led cities with Black mayors. Legal experts note that deploying the National Guard without a governor’s consent could violate the U.S. Constitution and the Insurrection Act of 1807, which limits federal military use for civil law enforcement. Community leaders in Chicago, particularly in Latino neighborhoods, fear the deployment could escalate tensions and undermine trust in local police.

The administration’s plans remain fluid, with Trump suggesting he would prefer a request from Pritzker but insisting he has the authority to act unilaterally. Meanwhile, Chicago officials and advocacy groups are preparing for protests and legal battles to resist what they call an unconstitutional overreach.