Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker on Saturday said the White House plans to federalize 300 Illinois National Guardsmen as tensions rise over public safety in Chicago. The governor said the administration gave him an ultimatum: order up state troops or face a federal call-up. According to Gov. JB Pritzker, “Later today, the Trump Administration will federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard.”
Pritzker has opposed federal mobilization within Chicago, indicating that state and local government agencies should conduct operations. Federalizing Guard members would shift their control from the governor to the president.
In a further update, Department of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said the police in Chicago were ambushed and surrounded by a number of vehicles, including an attacker who had a semi-automatic weapon. She said additional special operation units were being deployed to bring the situation under control. The remarks were made by Secretary Kristi Noem, who appealed to citizens to stand with officers.
In a subsequent message, Secretary Kristi Noem said law enforcement officers are being “targeted and attacked by violent anarchists who seek to tear down America.” She added that “President Trump and I have your backs,” and urged the public to “stand with ICE as they continue to protect and defend our homeland.”
It was not initially clear when and where the 300 Guard troops would be federalized. Further details have not been announced by local authorities on the claimed police attack. The Illinois National Guard and Chicago officials did not provide further details.
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