Pritzker Condemns Trump for Federalizing Illinois Guard, Calls Move “Trump’s Invasion”

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized President Donald Trump on Monday for deploying hundreds of Texas National Guard troops and federalizing 300 Illinois National Guard members for service in Chicago, labeling the action as unwarranted and unconstitutional.

“There is no incursion taking place here.” Pritzker stated during a press conference, "There is no insurrection here." “Residents in the communities are opposed to armed forces parading through their streets.”

Pritzker has charged the White House with trying to provoke unrest by deploying armed federal agents, who, according to him, have resorted to using rubber bullets and tear gas on demonstrators. He referred to the federal activation as “Trump’s invasion,” asserting that it infringed upon state authority and heightened tensions.

The deployment follows a weekend marked by sporadic confrontations between protesters and federal law enforcement, featuring instances where demonstrators collided with vehicles belonging to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Local officials reported that multiple arrests occurred.

Stephen Miller, the deputy chief of staff at the White House, stood by the decision, labeling these attacks as “domestic terrorism.” “ICE officers should not have to face the threat of violence while performing their duties,” Miller stated on CNN Monday.

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stated that city officers will persist in supporting federal agents when residents engage in criminal activities against them, highlighting that local police are restricted by state law from taking part in immigration enforcement as outlined in the Trust Act. “We adhere to that regulation,” Snelling stated. “When you confine them within their territory using vehicles, it’s understandable for them to feel they are under attack … and it’s justifiable for them to respond with force given those circumstances.”

Snelling dismissed the criticism regarding the city police's response time to federal officials over the weekend, highlighting that 27 officers were impacted by chemical agents used by federal officers during the incident.

In the midst of ongoing discussions, tensions rise regarding ICE activities in neighborhoods around Chicago, particularly following the tragic shooting of a Mexican immigrant by an ICE agent in Franklin Park last month. ICE first reported that the officer had sustained “serious injuries,” but subsequent body camera footage revealed that the injuries were “nothing major,” as reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.

A federal judge in Oregon has halted Trump's effort to send federalized National Guard units to the state. U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut raised concerns about the potential breach of her temporary restraining order regarding the deployment of troops from California to Portland.

Miller expressed strong discontent with the ruling on social media, labeling it as “legal insurrection” and stating, “The President is the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces, not an Oregon judge.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has confirmed his approval for Trump to mobilize 400 members of the Texas Guard to ensure the safety of federal officials.

Amidst the political turmoil, there has been a decline in crime rates in Chicago this year, although the Labor Day weekend saw seven fatalities and numerous shootings.