Gov. JB Pritzker: “The people of Chicago don’t want troops on the streets of Chicago. It’s un-American if you ask me. Invading a city with troops. A US president invading an American city with troops… It shouldn’t happen… There is no emergency here.”

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker strongly criticized the idea of deploying federal troops to Chicago, calling such a move “un-American.” In a public statement, Pritzker expressed firm opposition to what he described as an invasion of a U.S. city by its own president, emphasizing that the people of Chicago do not want military presence in their streets.

According to Pritzker, there is no emergency in Chicago that would justify federal intervention through armed forces. He rejected any narrative that paints the city as being out of control or in need of outside law enforcement. Instead, he emphasized the importance of local leadership and community-based solutions to address the city’s challenges.

The governor’s remarks come in response to suggestions or actions from federal officials, possibly under a Trump-led administration, to send troops into cities experiencing civil unrest or elevated crime rates. Pritzker made it clear that such a strategy would only escalate tensions and undermine local authority, rather than contribute to long-term public safety.

He further argued that involving troops in domestic law enforcement crosses a line and threatens democratic norms. The use of military force within U.S. cities, especially without the consent of state or local leaders, has long been a controversial issue, raising concerns about civil liberties and federal overreach.

In closing, Pritzker reiterated his commitment to standing with the people of Chicago and protecting the city’s autonomy. His statement adds to the broader national debate over the role of federal power in local governance and the appropriate response to public safety concerns.