Pentagon Drafts Plans to Send Troops to Chicago Over Crime Concerns

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The Pentagon is drafting plans to send military forces to Chicago as part of President Trump’s campaign to combat crime, homelessness and illegal immigration. According to reports, the U.S. Department of Defense has been considering the move for several weeks, with discussions including the potential deployment of thousands of National Guard troops as early as next month.

The development marks an escalation in the administration’s approach to law enforcement in cities it describes as struggling with public safety. Chicago, a Democratic stronghold, has been frequently cited by President Trump as an example of urban disorder. In recent comments, he described the city as “a mess,” adding that it could be “straightened out next.”

The Pentagon has said that contingency planning for various scenarios is a standard practice, though it declined to confirm any final decisions on troop numbers or timelines. Defense officials stressed that such preparations are designed to ensure federal assets and personnel are protected if required.

The proposal has drawn strong criticism from Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, both of whom argued that there is no justification for federal troops in the city. They warned that such actions could politicize the military and undermine local authority. Pritzker stated that no request for assistance had been made by the state and questioned whether an emergency situation existed.

Mayor Johnson pointed to falling crime figures to support his opposition, citing data showing that homicides are down by about 30 per cent, robberies by 35 per cent and shootings by nearly 40 per cent. He said introducing the military could disrupt ongoing efforts to improve safety and damage trust between residents and law enforcement.

The debate comes after similar troop deployments were made in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., where the administration has emphasized its commitment to restoring law and order. These earlier deployments drew significant pushback from state and city leaders, who argued that military involvement in domestic policing raised constitutional questions and risked overreach under the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the use of armed forces in civilian law enforcement.

Supporters of the current plan argue that it demonstrates decisive action in addressing public safety and urban decline. Critics, however, maintain that such measures threaten local governance and could create more tension rather than solutions.

This latest step highlights broader friction between the federal government and municipalities, particularly those governed by political opponents. The suggestion of military involvement in a city showing improved crime statistics underscores the administration’s willingness to apply aggressive measures to urban challenges.

The situation remains fluid, with no official confirmation of deployment. The coming weeks are expected to bring further discussions between state officials, city authorities and the Pentagon as they weigh the potential impact of such an operation on public safety, civil liberties and political balance.