Chicago Braces for Potential National Guard Deployment Amid Trump Threats
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Chicago residents are facing teh possibility of a National Guard presence in their city following escalating rhetoric from President Trump and the declaration of a federal crackdown on crime. The developments come as the management increases its reliance on the Guard for domestic operations, raising concerns about readiness and morale.
President Trump stated on September 6,2025,We’re going to clean them up so they don’t kill five people every weekend. That’s not war. That’s common sense.
This statement preceded the launch of Operation Midway Blitz
, a Department of Homeland Security initiative targeting criminal illegal aliens
in Chicago and Illinois, announced on September 8, 2025. The potential deployment has sparked alarm among community leaders and raised questions about the appropriate use of military resources within U.S. cities.
Federal Crackdown and Local concerns
White House border czar Tom Homan indicated on September 7,2025,that immigration enforcement actions would occur in Chicago this week,adding that National Guard are always on the table.
The administration has already deployed approximately 10,000 National Guard troops to the U.S. southern border and nearly 5,000 to Los Angeles in June 2025, demonstrating a growing trend of utilizing the guard for domestic law enforcement roles.
Sara Haghdoosti, Executive Director of Win Without War, expressed deep concern about the president’s statements.as someone who lives in Chicago, it’s terrifying,
Haghdoosti told Military.com on September 9, 2025. A commander in chief is meant to be someone who is thinking about how to keep folks safe, not declaring war on our own communities.
She added that even a retraction of the initial rhetoric doesn’t erase the impact of its articulation.
Win Without War has launched a billboard campaign in washington, D.C., and near military bases nationwide, featuring the message Is this what you signed up for?
The campaign aims to inform National Guardsmen of their rights and connect them with resources, particularly given the Trump administration’s increased reliance on the Guard.
We want service members to know that someone has their backs,
Haghdoosti stated.
Financial and Operational Strain
The extensive use of National Guard troops is not without its drawbacks. Experts warn of potential impacts on morale and readiness. Jennifer Kavanagh, Director of Military Analysis at the Defense Priorities think tank, explained that deploying National guard forces pulls them away from civilian jobs and families. If you’re using National Guard forces…you would have worn down the readiness,
Kavanagh said. You’d have these units that have already been deployed for two months on city streets, and you’d have a whole range of other implications.
As of last month, over 2,000 Guardsmen from six states were deployed to Washington, D.C., performing tasks ranging from patrolling Metro stops to cleaning graffiti. According to a National Guard news release,this ongoing deployment is estimated to cost approximately $1 million per day,CNN reported.
| Deployment | Troops Deployed (Approx.) | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Southern Border | 10,000 | January 2025 – Present |
| Los Angeles | 5,000 | June 2025 |
| Washington,D.C. | 2,000+ | August 2025 – Present |
Did You Know?
The Posse Comitatus Act generally prohibits the use of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement purposes, but exceptions exist, particularly in cases involving national security or when specifically authorized by Congress.
Pro tip:
Stay informed about local and federal policies regarding National Guard deployments by following official government websites and reputable news sources.
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What are your thoughts on the use of the National Guard for domestic law enforcement? How might these deployments impact community trust and safety?
Background: National guard Deployments and Domestic Law Enforcement
The use of the National Guard for domestic support is not new, but the scale and frequency of deployments have increased in recent years. Historically, the Guard has been called upon for disaster relief, emergency response, and to support civil authorities during times of crisis.However, the current trend of utilizing the Guard for ongoing law enforcement operations raises legal and ethical questions. The Posse Comitatus Act of 1878 generally prohibits the use of the U.S. military for domestic law enforcement purposes, but exceptions exist, particularly in cases involving national security or when specifically authorized by Congress. The increasing reliance on the Guard for domestic missions also raises concerns about the potential strain on readiness and the impact on the Guard’s ability to respond to future national security threats.
Frequently Asked questions
What is Operation Midway Blitz?
Operation Midway Blitz is a Department of Homeland Security initiative launched on September 8, 2025, targeting criminal illegal aliens
in Chicago and Illinois.
What is the Posse Comitatus Act?
The Posse Comitatus Act is a U.S. federal law (18 U.S.C.§ 1385) generally prohibiting the use of the U.S. military to enforce domestic laws.
Why is the National Guard being considered for deployment in Chicago?
The potential deployment follows statements from President Trump regarding violence in Chicago and a commitment to clean them up
,and also indications from White house officials that the National Guard is always on the table
for enforcement actions.
What are the concerns about using the National guard for domestic law enforcement?
Concerns include potential impacts on morale and readiness, the strain on Guard resources, and the legal and ethical implications of utilizing military personnel for civilian law enforcement duties.
How much is the National Guard deployment in Washington, D.C.costing?
The ongoing deployment of over 2,000 Guardsmen to Washington, D.C. is estimated to cost approximately $1 million per day,according to CNN reports.
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