1. United States
2. Ohio
3. Letter

I am writing to express my deep concern over former President Trump's recent statements and actions regarding the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago. This unauthorized and potentially illegal action threatens the principles of federalism and local governance that are fundamental to our democracy. The situation is alarming. National Guard troops from Texas are currently positioned outside Chicago, despite a lawsuit filed by both the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago to block their deployment. This action appears to be part of an aggressive immigration enforcement operation, though the exact mission remains unclear. What is clear, however, is that this deployment lacks proper authorization and violates the autonomy of our state and local governments. Former President Trump's call to jail Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson for opposing this deployment is not only inflammatory but also dangerous. It represents a blatant disregard for the rule of law and the constitutional rights of elected officials to govern their jurisdictions. Furthermore, Trump's repeated claims about crime in Democrat-run cities are not supported by statistical evidence. This misinformation serves only to create fear and division, rather than addressing real issues facing our communities. I urge you to take immediate action to prevent this unauthorized deployment of National Guard troops. We need our representatives to stand up for the principles of federalism and protect the rights of states and cities to govern themselves without federal overreach. Please work with your colleagues to: 1. Support the lawsuit filed by Illinois and Chicago to block this deployment. 2. Investigate the legality of deploying out-of-state National Guard troops without proper authorization. 3. Condemn the inflammatory rhetoric that threatens our elected officials and undermines our democratic processes. Time is of the essence. Every day that these troops remain positioned outside Chicago is a day that our local sovereignty is under threat. I implore you to act swiftly to uphold the constitutional principles that protect our state and local governments from unwarranted federal interference. Your immediate attention to this matter is crucial for preserving the integrity of our democratic system and ensuring the safety and well-being of Chicago's residents.