Trump Administration Seeks to Take Control of 300 Illinois National Guard Troops Ahead of Deployment

Trump Administration Seeks to Federalize Illinois National Guard Ahead of Expected Deployment CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - In a move that has sparked concerns among state officials and residents, the Trump administration has informed Democratic Governor JB Pritzker that it plans to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard. The decision comes as President Donald Trump has long threatened to send troops to Chicago, a city with a history of racial tensions and police brutality. According to Pritzker, the governor's office received word from the Pentagon on Saturday morning that the troops would be called up. "This morning, the Trump Administration's Department of War gave me an ultimatum: call up your troops, or we will," Pritzker said in a statement. "It is absolutely outrageous and un-American to demand a Governor send military troops within our own borders and against our will." The move has been met with skepticism by some, who question the need for federalization and the potential implications for civil liberties. "This is a clear overreach of executive power," said Illinois State Representative Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago). "We need to be careful about how we use our military resources and ensure that they are not being used to suppress dissent or undermine community trust in law enforcement." The decision to federalize the National Guard comes as the Trump administration has been increasingly using military personnel for domestic purposes, including border security and disaster response. However, critics argue that this approach is a departure from traditional norms of civilian control over the military. Background on the Illinois National Guard reveals that it has been deployed in various capacities throughout its history, including during World War I and II, the Korean War, and more recently, for humanitarian missions abroad. The unit has also played a significant role in responding to domestic emergencies, such as natural disasters. International observers have taken note of the development, with some expressing concerns about the implications for democratic governance and human rights. "The use of military force against civilians is a serious concern," said Maria Luiza Viçoso Ribeiro, a human rights expert at the University of São Paulo in Brazil. "We must be vigilant in ensuring that such actions are not used to suppress dissent or undermine democratic institutions." As the situation unfolds, Governor Pritzker has vowed to resist any attempts to deploy troops without his consent. "I will do everything in my power to protect the people of Illinois and uphold our state's sovereignty," he said. The Trump administration has yet to comment on the specifics of the deployment, but a White House spokesperson confirmed that the decision was made at the direction of President Trump. The Pentagon also declined to provide further information, citing operational security concerns. As the situation continues to evolve, residents of Chicago and Illinois are bracing for what may come next. "We need to be prepared for any eventuality," said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot (D). "But we must also ensure that our values of democracy, equality, and justice are upheld." Additional Reporting by: Thomas Peipert, The Associated Press Greg Bovino, Chief Patrol Agent, U.S. Border Patrol El Centro sector Related Stories: Trump Administration's Use of Military for Domestic Purposes Raises Concerns (Fortune) Illinois National Guard Plays Key Role in Responding to Domestic Emergencies (Chicago Tribune) International Community Expresses Concern Over Use of Military Force Against Civilians (Al Jazeera) *Reporting by Fortune.*