Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker called the Trump administration's proposed deployment of federal personnel to Chicago an "invasion", sparking heated debate over immigration enforcement tactics.
According to Breitbart, Pritzker said the state would pursue legal action if National Guard troops were sent to support federal immigration operations in the city without coordination with local or state officials.
During a televised appearance on CBS’s “Face the Nation” on Sunday, Aug. 31, Pritzker sharply criticized President Donald Trump's latest immigration enforcement efforts aimed at Chicago. The governor expressed concern over reports that federal agencies may be accompanied by National Guard troops in their operations.
The Department of Homeland Security had announced two days earlier, on Friday, that it would use Los Angeles as a model for enforcement practices in other cities, including Chicago. These measures could involve agents from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), with the potential addition of military support to safeguard federal personnel and facilities.
Pritzker argued that this approach threatens to disrupt communities, inflame tensions, and violate federal laws limiting military involvement in civilian law enforcement.
Governor Raises Legal Concerns Over Troop Use
Speaking on Sunday, Pritzker noted that past ICE activities in Chicago caused widespread alarm. He described how prior operations caused businesses in neighborhoods like Little Village to close and prompted fear even among U.S. citizens.
“ICE has been here before,” the governor said. He described past enforcement activities as creating a chilling atmosphere, with people—including citizens—choosing to stay inside rather than risk potential detention.
The governor strongly warned against involving any form of military personnel in upcoming enforcement efforts. He cited the Posse Comitatus Act, a federal law that prevents the U.S. military from participating in domestic law enforcement under most circumstances.
No Communication From Federal Officials with the State
In the same interview, Pritzker said neither he nor other Illinois officials had been informed about the Trump administration’s intentions. He criticized the lack of communication as dangerous, saying that operational secrecy worsens public fear and hinders community safety.
“No one in the administration—neither the President nor anyone reporting to him—has reached out to us,” Pritzker said. He added that local authorities had also received no information about timing, scale, or agency involvement.
The governor warned that without coordination, federal plans could undermine local police efforts. He called the situation “disruptive” and “dangerous,” suggesting that a transparent, collaborative approach would be more effective.
Trump Administration’s Strategy Remains Unclear
While the Department of Homeland Security has not disclosed full details about the planned operation, it has confirmed that tactics used in Los Angeles would guide the strategy in Chicago. That city has seen large-scale immigration enforcement raids involving multiple agencies.
Chicago officials have long sought to maintain their status as a sanctuary city, which limits cooperation with federal immigration activities. This has often placed the city’s political leadership in opposition to federal directives.
Pritzker said any involvement of National Guard troops would immediately prompt legal action. He emphasized that unless there is “an insurrection or a true emergency,” the deployment would be unlawful.
Past Deployments Still Fresh in Public Memory
Though ICE has previously operated in Chicago, Pritzker described previous visits as deeply unsettling to residents. The presence of masked agents detaining individuals reportedly led many business owners to shutter their stores temporarily.
“People had to stay home, even those who are citizens, because they feared being taken off the streets,” he said. This, he argued, is evidence that the enforcement methods had—and still have—a destabilizing impact on the community.
The governor reiterated that military forces “don’t belong on American city streets” unless necessary, reinforcing his view that federal actions should not bypass local authority.
Calls for Federal-Local Coordination Unanswered
Finally, Pritzker underscored the importance of open coordination between local and federal agencies. He emphasized that such engagements are key to reducing confusion and minimizing public unrest.
“They ought to let us know when and where they’re coming,” Pritzker said, referring to ICE or any other federal agency involved. He lamented that while the administration claims to prioritize security, it has refused to include state and local leaders in planning efforts.
As of now, the timeline and scale of the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement operation in Chicago remain unclear. However, Gov. Pritzker’s strong pushback suggests the matter could soon head to court if troops are deployed alongside federal agents.
