Oppose Unnecessary Federal Intervention in Chicago
14 so far! Help us get to 25 signers!
I am writing to express my strong opposition to any potential deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago. President Trump's recent statements suggesting Chicago as the next target for his crime reduction efforts are deeply concerning and appear to be a misguided political maneuver rather than a genuine attempt to address urban challenges.
The facts simply do not support the need for such drastic action. According to the Chicago Police Department, overall crime in the city has decreased by 13% compared to last year. This significant reduction demonstrates that local efforts are already making a positive impact on public safety. Furthermore, neither the Illinois National Guard nor state officials have received any orders or requests for troop mobilization in Chicago, indicating a lack of coordination or legitimate justification for federal intervention.
It's crucial to note that both Governor JB Pritzker and Attorney General Kwame Raoul have publicly opposed any unlawful deployment of troops to Chicago. Their stance reflects a broader concern that such action would be an overreach of federal authority and potentially harmful to community-police relations.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and other city leaders have rightly criticized the President's comments as a political stunt. Deploying troops to our city streets without a clear emergency or invitation from local authorities would not only be an ineffective use of resources but could also escalate tensions and undermine the progress being made through community-based initiatives.
I urge you to speak out against this proposed intervention and to support Chicago's local leadership in their ongoing efforts to reduce crime through proven, community-oriented strategies. Our city needs support for education, economic development, and social services – not a military presence on our streets.
Please take immediate action to prevent any unauthorized deployment of troops to Chicago and to redirect federal resources towards evidence-based programs that address the root causes of crime and social issues. Our community's safety and well-being depend on thoughtful, collaborative approaches, not heavy-handed federal intervention.