Casten Statement on Trump’s Plan to Deploy Troops to Chicago

September 04, 2025 Casten Statement on Trump’s Plan to Deploy Troops to Chicago Washington, D.C. — U.S. Congressman Sean Casten (IL-06) released the following statement on President Trump’s plan to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago: “Addressing crime and keeping the American people safe is one of the most important responsibilities of the federal government. But the president’s plan to deploy National Guard troops into Chicago isn’t about that. It’s about intimidating the people of Illinois, getting Americans used to the sight of soldiers with guns patrolling our streets, and violating federal law and the Constitution. “Unless and until a request is made by Governor Pritzker, the president’s plan is a brazen and authoritarian attempt to violate Illinois’ state sovereignty. If the Trump Administration truly cared about addressing crime, it would end its illegal impoundment of hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding for programs that we know make our communities safer. Deploying troops into Illinois is nothing more than security theater and does little to help the people who live here. “I remain in close contact with Governor Pritzker and other state and local leaders, and will continue to do everything possible to keep Illinoisans safe.” ### Print Email Share Tweet