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Indivisible Illinois Statement: Trump’s Threat to Send Troops to Chicago is an Authoritarian Power Grab
Donald Trump is once again threatening to deploy the military into American cities, including Chicago. According to recent reports, the Pentagon has been sketching out plans to send several thousand National Guard troops to our city, despite clear opposition from state and local leaders. This is not about public safety. This is about power, control, and Trump’s dangerous desire to test the limits of authoritarian rule.
Let’s be clear: Chicago does not need a military occupation. Chicago the largest city in our state has seen major reductions in violent crime this year, including a 30% drop in homicides, a 35% decrease in robberies, and nearly 40% fewer shootings. Local leaders are pursuing real solutions that work: community violence prevention programs, partnerships with federal law enforcement on investigations, and investments in neighborhoods. What we do not need are troops on our streets inflaming tensions and undermining democracy.
Governor JB Pritzker called Trump’s move exactly what it is: “a test of the limits of his power and a trial run for a police state.” Mayor Brandon Johnson warned that Trump’s plan is “uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound” and that such an unlawful deployment would only heighten mistrust between residents and law enforcement.
Trump’s rhetoric has never been about crime. It’s about punishing sanctuary cities, scapegoating immigrants, and stoking fear for political gain. His claim that Chicago is “a mess” is nothing more than a recycled scare tactic, one that ignores the facts and insults the people of this city.
Democrats across the country are pushing back. Leaders in New York and Baltimore have made it clear that they do not want or need Trump’s troops either. As Congressman Hakeem Jeffries said: “Trump has no basis, no authority to send federal troops or agents to Chicago.”
The people of Illinois are not fooled. We know that safety comes from strong communities, good jobs, affordable housing, and healthcare, not soldiers in our neighborhoods. Indivisible Illinois stands firmly with Governor Pritzker, Mayor Johnson, and leaders across the country in condemning this abuse of power.
We cannot allow Trump to manufacture crises and use our communities as staging grounds for his authoritarian ambitions. Chicago belongs to the people who live here, not to a president seeking to impose martial law to score political points.
Together, we will resist.
WCPT Patti Vasquez show Interview with Indivisible Illinois, June 18th, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 16, 2025
Contact: Indivisible Illinois | [email protected]
Indivisible Illinois & Indivisible Chicago Alliance Call on Senator Chuck Schumer to Step Aside as Minority Leader
Illinois – Minority Leader Schumer, as chair of the Democratic Caucus in the Senate, broke with the vast majority of his caucus to allow a GOP funding bill to advance—without any restrictions on the ongoing efforts from Donald Trump and Elon Musk to dismantle the federal government. Indivisible Illinois & Indivisible Chicago Alliance issued the following statement:
“Under Senator Chuck Schumer’s lack of leadership, Senate Democrats just surrendered a rare moment of leverage to rein in the chaos and harm of Donald Trump, Elon Musk, and Congressional Republicans. By voting to advance the GOP government funding bill, rather than demanding anything in return, Senator Schumer handed more power to the extremists destroying our government. If Schumer had continued to advocate for voting no, other senators would likely have followed his lead, and the Republicans would not have secured the Democratic votes needed to move forward. This was not just a strategic mistake—it was a demonstration that Senator Schumer is not prepared to lead the Democratic opposition to fascism and protect our democracy. We thank him for his years of service and call on him to step aside as Minority Leader.
We have repeatedly urged our Senators to hold the line against the MAGA takeover of our government. We have organized rallies with thousands of members across the state, mobilized volunteers, and driven thousands of calls into our Senators’ offices demanding real leadership. We deeply appreciate Senator Tammy Duckworth for voting against this bill and for her clear public opposition. We also thank the entire Illinois House Democratic Delegation for standing strong and rejecting this bill in the House.
“However, we are deeply disappointed in Senator Dick Durbin for joining 9 other Senate Democrats in voting to pass this continuing resolution. Most of all, we feel betrayed by Senator Chuck Schumer, who made the decision to advance this bill and undermine the fight against extremism. At this moment, we need a Minority Leader who will not waver in the face of authoritarian threats and who recognizes and leads the fight against the dismantling of our government and destruction of the rule of law. It is time for new leadership in the Senate.”
Indivisible Illinois and Indivisible Chicago Alliance remain committed to exposing and resisting the MAGA Republican agenda that threatens our democracy. We have educated voters on the devastating cuts these MAGA Republicans have supported, including reductions to Medicare, Medicaid, SNAP, early childhood education, insulin affordability, farming grants, community financial institution support, minority business development, and other vital social services. To demand transparency, we have called on all representatives to hold in-person town halls and face their constituents directly. Some have refused. Indivisible Illinois in response is organizing a series of Empty Chair Town Halls—events where their absence will be made clear to their constituents. If they refuse to answer to the people, we will make sure the people know it. We will not back down. We will continue organizing, mobilizing, and holding all those who enable extremism accountable—whether they are MAGA Republicans or Democrats who fail to stand strong in the fight for our democracy.
“We do not come to this decision lightly – for the country, or for our democracy. But the stakes are too high, and we need leaders who are willing to fight as hard as we are. Schumer should step aside as Minority Leader so another Democrat who’s willing to lead the opposition can step up to take his place.”
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About Indivisible Illinois & Indivisible Chicago Alliance
Indivisible Illinois is a grassroots coalition uniting local Indivisible groups across the state. With over 80,000 members and growing, we empower communities to hold elected officials accountable and fight for progressive policies that protect democracy and improve lives.
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Indivisible Chicago Alliance includes members and Indivisible chapters across Chicago and the suburbs, working to advance progressive policies, elect progressive candidates, and hold elected officials accountable.