Chicago is once again in the political spotlight as former President Donald Trump vows to deploy National Guard troops to curb crime, sparking starkly different reactions across the city’s communities.
While some residents on the South Side argue they are already doing the work of keeping young people away from gangs, others on the Southwest Side openly welcome the idea of militarization.
On a drive through neighborhoods still grappling with gun violence, the aftermath of Labor Day weekend shootings was visible. In Bronzeville, where seven people were wounded in a drive-by attack just a block from Chicago Police headquarters, the frustration was palpable. The violence was part of a broader toll of 58 people shot, including eight fatalities, across the city that weekend.
Community coach Rob White, who works with young men through Chicago CRED, a non-profit aimed at reducing gun violence, described the tragedy of such attacks happening under the shadow of fortified police stations. His colleague, Kanoya Ali, dismissed Trump’s claims that only the National Guard could reduce crime. “The outcome is already happening,” Ali said. “The troops are already here. We are the troops.”
Trump, citing the Labor Day figures, renewed his threat this week to send National Guard forces into Chicago, after making similar moves in Los Angeles and Washington DC. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker quickly pushed back, calling Trump “unhinged” and vowing to resist outside intervention.
Despite Trump’s dire warnings, violent crime in Chicago has actually been on the decline. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, homicides between January and June fell by a third compared to the same period last year. Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling noted that homicides were down by 125 last year, with 700 fewer shooting victims citywide. Still, overall crime levels remain higher than many other U.S. cities.
“The National Guard does not have police powers. They don’t have the powers of arrest,” Snelling said. “If I could have more officers, I’d love to help, 100 percent.”
In makeshift classrooms, young men working with White reflected on Trump’s plan. When asked if troops would solve the problem, several pointed to their own lived experiences – many had already been incarcerated or shot. White’s message was blunt: “Having the militia come in is not going to be the answer.”
But in Canaryville, a predominantly white working-class neighborhood, the mood was different. American flags mingled with Blue Lives Matter banners, and Trump’s call for troops resonated. Longtime resident Tom Stack, 68, shouted across the street: “I can’t wait till they get here. You got to get rid of the criminals. This city’s crazy, there’s too much crime, it’s common sense.”
Critics argue that part of Chicago’s crime problem stems from federal funding cuts during Trump’s administration, particularly for crime prevention programs and initiatives targeting illegal gun trafficking. Democrats in Chicago say the loss of those resources has undercut progress. Trump, for his part, has repeatedly blamed “radical left” policies for urban violence.
The tension over Trump’s plan is also layered with anxiety about immigration enforcement. Chicago has a large Latino population of more than 800,000 residents, and many fear the National Guard could be used to bolster Immigration and Customs Enforcement raids. On Truth Social, Trump fueled those concerns by posting a meme referencing Apocalypse Now with the caption, “I love the smell of deportations in the morning.”
In Little Village, a heavily Mexican-American neighborhood, flags are already up for Independence Day, but celebrations are clouded by fear. Organizers of El Grito Chicago, the city’s official festival, postponed the event, citing the safety of their community amid rumors of impending ICE raids. Outside a local packaging plant, striking workers demanded guarantees of protection from unwarranted raids, reflecting the deep unease gripping immigrant communities.
For now, Trump’s threats have left Chicago divided. In neighborhoods still scarred by violence, community leaders insist the answer lies in investment, mentorship, and prevention programs – not troops on the streets. But in other corners of the city, where fear of crime outweighs concern about civil liberties, the call for militarization finds eager support.
Leo Cruz brings sharp insights into the world of politics, offering balanced reporting and analysis on the latest policies, elections, and global political events. With years of experience covering campaigns and interviewing world leaders, Leo ensures readers are always informed and engaged.
