Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker claims that he has received information from sources within the Trump administration and military about planned federal law enforcement operations in Chicago.
Speaking to MSNBC host and former White House press secretary under former President Joe Biden, Jen Psaki, he described the reports as “well-sourced rumors” while noting he did not have formal authorization to disclose the information.
The comments come amid rising concern over violent crime in Chicago, where recent weekends have left at least 14 people dead and nearly 100 injured in shootings.
City officials have long struggled with gang-related violence and other public safety challenges, prompting federal authorities to consider interventions.
President Trump has indicated that federal law enforcement operations, potentially including National Guard deployments, could be sent to address the situation.
White House officials have emphasized that federal action is intended to bolster local law enforcement and restore public safety in neighborhoods hit hardest by violent crime.
According to Pritzker, roughly 200 Homeland Security personnel could be deployed as early as this week, with the operation possibly extending through September.
The effort is expected to focus on apprehending illegal immigrants, though the National Guard could be mobilized to assist with broader public safety responsibilities.
The governor said some federal personnel may be stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Base, north of Chicago, with as many as 300 agents preparing to operate in areas including Little Village and Pilsen.
Pritzker also added that the Texas National Guard is reportedly in the process of being deployed to Illinois.
The Gateway Pundit notes that he emphasized the information comes from ‘patriotic Americans’ within the administration and military who shared the details without official clearance
President Trump responded to Pritzker’s comments on federal operations in Chicago last week, stressing they would proceed regardless of state objections.
“If the governor of Illinois would call me up, I would love to do it. Now, we’re going to do it anyway,” he said, highlighting federal authority to act in the interest of public safety.
Critics have questioned the accuracy of Pritzker’s statements, noting that Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s (R) office denied the Illinois governor’s claim that Texas National Guard troops were being deployed to the state, according to BizPac Review.
Supporters point to previous cooperation between Republican-led states and federal authorities, noting that other states have previously contributed personnel to assist federal operations in cities experiencing high crime rates.
Evidence from prior federal interventions shows potential effectiveness.
In Washington, D.C., NewsNation reported that federal enforcement surges coincided with a 15 percent drop in overall crime and a 39 percent reduction in violent crime compared to the same period the previous year.
Homicides declined 58 percent and robberies fell 57 percent, demonstrating measurable improvements from coordinated federal action.
Chicago has consistently ranked among the nation’s most violent cities, and officials say federal personnel could help target high-crime areas more effectively while supporting local investigations.
Analysts suggest that strategic deployment of federal agents can act as both a deterrent and a force multiplier for city law enforcement.
Pritzker’s disclosures have fueled debate over the appropriate balance between transparency and operational security.
Some view his comments as necessary to keep residents informed, while others see them as politicizing federal operations and potentially complicating public safety measures.
The situation underscores the challenges of managing state-federal coordination in high-risk urban environments.
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