ELWOOD, Ill. (AP) — National Guard troops are strategically positioned outside Chicago and may head to Memphis by Friday as the Trump administration enforces a stringent crime policy despite opposition from local leaders.
On Wednesday, National Guard members from Texas arrived at an Army Reserve center in Illinois, even as local officials filed a lawsuit against the deployment, arguing their mission remains unclear. The Trump administration's strategy includes aggressive immigration enforcement in Chicago, which has been a frequent site for protests.
While Trump has labeled Chicago a “hell hole” of crime, official statistics indicate a significant reduction in most crime categories, including homicides.
In Memphis, police Chief Cerelyn Davis confirmed that local commanders are preparing for the Guard's arrival, while Republican Gov. Bill Lee stated the troops would be deputized to assist with local enforcement, although specifics of their role lack clarity.
Conflicts have arisen between state governors and the federal government over the use of military forces on U.S. soil. Illinois and Chicago officials are challenging the administration’s deployment, with a court hearing scheduled shortly as tensions elevate regarding the political implications of utilising troops in civil matters.
The Associated Press witnessed military personnel stationed at the Elwood center, with infrastructure being prepared around them, reflecting the scale of deployment efforts.
Despite a general decline in violent crime across the U.S., the decision to send troops to cities like Chicago and Memphis has been mired in contentious debate, with local governments insisting that federal measures only exacerbate existing tensions rather than resolving them. As the situation unfolds, more clashes could erupt between local law enforcement and federal agents, particularly in locations where protests against immigration policies continue unabated.
