(NewsNation) — President Donald Trump labeled Chicago the world’s “most dangerous city” on Tuesday as he seemingly confirmed an upcoming federal takeover.
“Pritzker needs help badly, he just doesn’t know it yet. I will solve the crime problem fast, just like I did in DC. Chicago will be safe again, and soon,” Trump wrote on social media, following a series of shootings over the Labor Day weekend that left eight people dead and dozens wounded.
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Federal forces expected to arrive in Chicago this week
Federal officers with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and the Department of Homeland Security were scheduled to arrive at Illinois’ Naval Station Great Lakes on Tuesday.
Officers would remain there through Sept. 30, according to an internal email obtained by multiple outlets.
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The military base, located around 35 miles north of Chicago, would give federal officers “limited support in the form of facilities, infrastructure, and other logistical needs,” a spokesperson told the Associated Press last week.
Leaders and residents of the nation’s third-largest city have protested Trump’s idea to handle Chicago the same way he did D.C. — taking over the city police, deploying National Guard members on the streets and conducting sweeps of the city.
Chicago leaders oppose Trump takeover
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order Saturday reaffirming that Chicago police officers answer to him, not to the federal government.
While Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Sunday that ICE would soon expand operations in Chicago, she said sending the National Guard alongside them is ultimately up to Trump.
“National guard troops, any kind of troops, on the streets of an American city don’t belong unless there’s an insurrection, unless there is an emergency — there is not,” said Gov. JB Pritzker.
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Former Chicago police Superintendent Eddie Johnson told NewsNation that city leaders were “doing a pretty good job” on violent crime but that he believes they should work with the National Guard if troops do arrive.
“Most people in the city probably wouldn’t want the National Guard … if I were the mayor, I would call the president and see how this could work for both parties,” Johnson said.
