President Donald Trump has proposed utilizing a military base near Chicago to bolster his administration's efforts in addressing illegal immigration.
This initiative follows the deployment of the National Guard to support federal and local law enforcement in Washington, D.C., focusing on crime and immigration issues.
According to The Post Millennial, the Department of Homeland Security has requested "limited support in the form of facilities, infrastructure, and other logistical needs to support DHS operations," as stated by Matt Mogle, spokesman for Naval Station Great Lakes.
This naval base, located 35 miles from Chicago, is expected to accommodate ICE agents and potentially the National Guard, as initially reported by the Chicago Sun-Times.
Stephen Yargosz, the commanding officer of Naval Station Great Lakes, remarked, "These operations are similar to what occurred in Los Angeles earlier this summer. Same DHS team." He further noted, "This morning I received a call that there is the potential to also support National Guard units. Not many details on this right now. Mainly a lot of concerns and questions." The operation, which aims to target downtown Chicago, awaits formal approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
President Trump has previously deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., to combat crime and assist ICE in addressing illegal immigration. He has indicated that similar measures might be extended to other cities, including Chicago and New York, to tackle rising crime rates.
Trump took to Truth Social, stating, "Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. 20 people were shot. But he doesnt want to ask me for help. Can this be possible? The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats arent capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!!"
Democratic leaders in Illinois have expressed opposition to Trump's suggestion of federal intervention in Chicago's crime situation. Mayor Brandon Johnson warned that the city's residents would "rise up" if the National Guard were deployed to address crime.
Despite Chicago's alarming crime statistics, ranking among the top 10 cities for homicides per capita in 2024, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has criticized Trump's potential crackdown.
Pritzker argued, "Donald Trump is attempting to manufacture a crisis, politicize Americans who serve in uniform, and continue abusing his power to distract from the pain he is causing working families. We will continue to follow the law, stand up for the sovereignty of our state, and protect the people of Illinois."
The debate over federal intervention in Chicago highlights the broader tension between state sovereignty and federal authority. While President Trump advocates for decisive action to curb crime, Illinois leaders emphasize the importance of local governance and adherence to the rule of law.
As discussions continue, the question remains whether federal involvement will proceed and how it might impact the city's ongoing struggle with crime.
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