Chicago Mayor Prohibits Police Collaboration with National Guard Amid Trump’s Deployment Threats
Chicago, Illinois – August 31, 2025
In a bold stand against what he calls an “unconstitutional overreach,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has issued an executive order prohibiting the city’s police department from collaborating with any potential National Guard deployment or federal agents ordered by President Donald Trump. The move comes as the president escalates threats to send troops to the Windy City to combat what he describes as rampant crime, despite local data showing significant declines in violence. Johnson’s directive, signed on Saturday, underscores a deepening clash between Democratic-led cities and the Trump administration, raising questions about federal authority, public safety, and the limits of presidential power in a tense political climate.
Key Details of the Executive Order and Trump’s Threats
Johnson’s executive order, issued on August 30, explicitly states that Chicago Police Department (CPD) officers will not “collaborate with federal agents on joint law enforcement patrols, arrest operations, or other law enforcement duties including civil immigration enforcement.” It also mandates that federal law enforcement officers in the city refrain from wearing masks and must identify themselves by agency and badge number, while requiring CPD officers, including undercover ones, to wear full uniforms. The order further prohibits city departments from participating in enforcement actions that violate residents’ rights to peaceful assembly and protest.
The directive was prompted by Trump’s repeated threats to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, following similar actions in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. On August 22, Trump announced plans to “straighten out” Chicago, calling it a “mess” and criticizing Mayor Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker as “incompetent.” He suggested the city could be next after D.C., where over 2,000 National Guard troops have been deployed under federal control to address crime and protests. Trump has also mentioned New York and Baltimore as potential targets, framing the moves as necessary to restore order in Democratic-led cities.
Local officials report no formal notification from the Trump administration about an imminent deployment, but preparations are underway based on credible reports of possible action within days. Chicago’s crime statistics contradict Trump’s narrative: Homicides are down 31% from 2024, shootings have dropped 36%, and vehicle thefts decreased 26% year-to-date. Overall violent crime has fallen 15% compared to 2023, attributed to investments in youth employment, mental health services, and community policing.
Quotes from Officials and Experts
Mayor Johnson, flanked by city leaders during the signing, emphasized the order’s protective intent: “This is the most sweeping campaign of any city in the country to protect ourselves from the threats and actions of this out-of-control administration. We will protect our constitution. We will protect our city. And we will protect our people. We do not want to see tanks in our streets. We do not want to see families ripped apart.”
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker, a Democrat and potential 2028 presidential contender, has been vocal in opposition, stating on August 24: “Trump’s threat to bring the National Guard to Chicago isn’t about safety—it’s a test of the limits of his power and a trial run for a police state.” He added that Illinois has not requested federal intervention and that no emergency warrants such a deployment.
Legal experts echo concerns about legality. Rick Hills, a professor at New York University School of Law, told NPR that Trump “cannot repeat what he’s doing in any other cities,” citing the Posse Comitatus Act of 1878, which bars military involvement in domestic law enforcement without congressional authorization. Edwin Yohnka of the ACLU of Illinois warned: “There’s a higher barrier for the president to send National Guard into Chicago… He’s going to have to articulate a reason, and that will be challenged by the state.”
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling affirmed the city’s readiness: “We’re preparing to make sure that we have the manpower in place… The preparation is to make sure that all our officers are aware of the welcoming city ordinance.”
White House spokesperson Taylor Rogers defended the approach, stating that cities like Chicago are “considered to be some of the most dangerous cities in America.”
Background: Trump’s Crime Crackdown and Legal Limits
Trump’s threats stem from his administration’s aggressive push to address urban crime, beginning with the federal takeover of Washington, D.C.’s police department and the deployment of 2,000 National Guard troops there in early August 2025. The president has cited falling crime rates in D.C. as a success, though local leaders like Mayor Muriel Bowser dispute the necessity, noting a 30-year low in violent crime. Similar deployments occurred in Los Angeles earlier in 2025, federalizing California’s National Guard over Gov. Gavin Newsom’s objections to counter protests against immigration raids—a move now facing legal challenges.
The Posse Comitatus Act limits federal military use for civilian policing, with exceptions like the Insurrection Act requiring a declared emergency or governor’s request—neither of which applies here, per Pritzker. Chicago, a sanctuary city under the Illinois TRUST Act, prohibits local enforcement of federal immigration laws without warrants, fostering trust in diverse communities (nearly even split between Black, Latino, and white residents, with a growing Asian population).
Critics, including the African American Mayors Association, argue Trump’s targeting of cities with Black mayors like Johnson, Karen Bass (Los Angeles), and Brandon Scott (Baltimore) is racially motivated and politically driven. Former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called it a reflection of “animus toward Democratic leadership” rather than a genuine crime strategy.
Potential Impacts and Next Steps
Johnson’s order could escalate tensions if troops arrive, potentially leading to lawsuits from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, who anticipates a pre-emptive challenge. It may protect immigrant communities and protesters but strain federal-local relations, diverting resources from ongoing crime reductions. Broader implications include challenges to Trump’s authority under the Posse Comitatus Act, possibly reaching the Supreme Court, and heightened national debates on federal overreach.
City officials are drawing from DNC preparation playbooks, coordinating with community organizers for rights education and legal aid. Pritzker has vowed court action, while the ACLU monitors for excessive force. If deployed, troops would likely focus on immigration enforcement, per reports, prompting sanctuary city defenses. Trump may proceed regardless, citing national security, but experts predict legal roadblocks.
In conclusion, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson’s executive order defies President Trump’s National Guard threats, affirming local control amid claims of falling crime and unconstitutional overreach. The key takeaway? As federal-state clashes intensify, protecting civil rights and community trust remains crucial—urging citizens to stay informed and engaged in the fight for balanced governance.