Donald Trump has suggested sending the National Guard to Chicago. This decision is deeply troubling in terms of the urban landscape’s increasing militarization and the violent threads permeating law enforcement at every level. His plan calls for the federalization of 300 National Guard troops in Illinois. He makes the case that this step is necessary to combat increasing crime, despite counter-evidence indicating that crime has not spiked in recent years.
The deployment follows Trump’s long penchant for focusing on Chicago for federal law enforcement operations and starting last August. So while we welcome his latest action, he remains part of a disturbing trend. He has deployed National Guard troops to several U.S. cities to back up local immigration enforcement agents and other law enforcement operations. Critics of this new paradigm warn that such an approach politicizes the military and erodes its professional, apolitical purpose.
Federal law generally bars the use of military troops for domestic policing, but Trump has repeatedly evaded these strictures. His administration’s actions have sparked a historic backlash. Civil rights advocates are understandably alarmed, concerned about the negative effects of these deployments on community safety and civil liberties.
That’s the case at the Broadview Ice facility in suburban Chicago, where conditions have deteriorated alarmingly in recent weeks. This facility has become a major target for federal immigration enforcement. During the operation there, U.S. Border Patrol agents allegedly shot a woman in what quickly became an inflammatory confrontation with a peace protester and journalist. The agents alleged that they were threatened by oncoming vehicles heading towards their position, causing what they called “defensive” gunfire.
“Defensive,” – Tricia McLaughlin, a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
The incident has drawn scrutiny regarding the aggressive tactics employed by federal agents, following a pattern of confrontational interactions with the public during enforcement operations. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem toured the facility as she announced plans to boost law enforcement staffing, extreme fortress-like measures.
“I am deploying more special operations to control the scene. Reinforcements are on their way. If you see a law enforcement officer today, thank them.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, is vocally opposed to Trump’s plans to put troops in his home state. Readers are likely aware of the Secretary’s well-publicized disapproval. He called the decision a slap in the face to local government and an uncalled for tearing apart of neighborhoods. Associated Press Pritzker had been vocal about the proposal’s effect on local residents who depend on these people to help them live their suburban lives.
“It is absolutely outrageous and un-American to demand a governor send military troops within our own borders and against our will,” – JB Pritzker.
Tempers are flaring across the region over the planned deployment. This is why local leaders and community advocates must raise hell to demand an explanation for these bad moves. They argue that deploying troops is simply not the right answer to wash over community concerns or increasing crime in many cities today. Further, many claim that it creates a culture of fear rather than protection.
Trump’s history of deploying troops across various cities—from Los Angeles to Washington D.C.—has left many experts worried about potential future incidents and the long-term ramifications for civil society. This continued militarization is a danger to the fragile balance between keeping the peace and infringing on civil liberties.