Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson Denounces Trump’s Plan to Deploy the National Guard to Chicago Neighborhoods

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CHICAGO, IL — Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson (D-IL) today condemned Donald Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, calling it an alarming and misguided escalation that threatens civil liberties, undermines local authority, and destabilizes progress the city has worked hard to achieve. 

“Trump’s plan is not about keeping people safe. It is about intimidation and political theater,” Jackson said. “Chicago does not need soldiers in our streets. What we need are investments in jobs, education, healthcare, and public safety strategies that empower communities, not federal troops acting as an occupying force.” 

Jackson noted that Chicago has seen progress in reducing violent crime, with shootings, homicides, and carjackings all trending downward. He emphasized that lasting safety comes from resources and opportunity, not militarization. 

“Federal overreach of this kind violates the principles of local control enshrined in our Constitution,” Jackson continued. “Chicagoans deserve respect for our self-governance, not an authoritarian show of force.” 

Congressman Jackson pledged to stand with city leadership, community advocates, and his colleagues in Congress to oppose the deployment. 

“We will not allow Chicago to be turned into a stage for militarized politics,” Jackson declared. “Our neighborhoods deserve safety and opportunity, not occupation.” 

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