Everyone who hasn’t been living under a rock in Patagonia knows full well that Chicago is a disaster zone. After years of failed leadership from a revolving door of incompetent mayors, the once-great city has devolved into a crime-ridden mess. And to make matters worse, its so-called “sanctuary” policies have turned it into a magnet for illegal aliens of every stripe, straining services and fueling chaos.
The Trump administration dispatched Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to start tackling Chicago’s sanctuary city crisis.
But ICE hasn’t had an easy time of it, facing constant interference from leftist protesters and agitators determined to shield illegal aliens from accountability. President Trump has even floated the idea of sending in additional federal officers — or, if necessary, the military — to restore order.
So when Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker griped on Saturday that the Trump administration had activated 300 members of the Illinois National Guard, the obvious question becomes: are they headed for Chicago? And if so, will they finally be tasked with doing what the city’s Democrat leadership refuses to do — clean up the mess and enforce the law?
The Trump administration plans to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard, Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker said Saturday.
Pritzker said the guard received word from the Pentagon in the morning that the troops would be called up. He did not specify when or where they would be deployed, but President Donald Trump has long threatened to send troops to Chicago.
“This morning, the Trump Administration’s Department of War gave me an ultimatum: call up your troops, or we will,” Pritzker said in a statement. “It is absolutely outrageous and un-American to demand a Governor send military troops within our own borders and against our will.”
Except, Governor, one of the largest cities in your state (and the nation) is spiraling out of control. Radical agitators are openly interfering with — and even attacking — federal agents as they attempt to carry out lawful duties.
Your first responsibility is to safeguard the liberty and property of the people of Illinois. On that front, you are failing miserably. You’re refusing to do your duty simply because you have Trump Derangement Syndrome, like every other Democrat.
If you won’t do your job, Governor, maybe President Trump will. It’s still unclear where exactly those 300 Illinois Guardsmen are headed, but let’s be honest — it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising if their destination is Chicago:
The escalation of federal law enforcement in Illinois follows similar deployments in other parts of the country, including in Baltimore and Memphis. Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles over the summer and as part of his law enforcement takeover in Washington, D.C.
And for the record, the deployments have worked in those areas. Most notably in the nation’s capital, where scores of residents have reported they finally feel safe after years of not feeling safe.
Here’s the bottom line: ICE’s job isn’t optional. Deporting people who are in this country illegally isn’t a matter of political whim — it’s the law. The Constitution makes it clear: the executive branch has the duty to enforce immigration laws.
Sure, it would be better if state and local governments actually cooperated, instead of undermining federal law at every turn. But ICE’s mission doesn’t rise or fall on the approval of Democrat mayors or activist governors. Whether it’s in Chicago, Los Angeles, Portland, or anywhere else the radical Left tries to interfere, the mission stands. ICE is enforcing the law — and they’ll keep enforcing the law, no matter how loud the mobs get.
And it’s working. Many illegal aliens are choosing to self-deport. Those who leave on their own can always return the right way — through legal channels. But if they have to be dragged out and sent back, then the law is clear: they aren’t welcome to set foot in the United States again.
It’s unfortunate that President Trump has to activate the National Guard just to see the law enforced. But the law is a harsh mistress. Trump ran on this promise, the American people voted for it, and he’s determined to deliver — with or without Governor Pritzker’s blessing.
