In partnership with
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker is rallying support against President Donald Trump’s planned federal immigration crackdown in Chicago, calling the move an “invasion” that threatens democracy, local sovereignty, and immigrant rights.
With Trump signaling plans to use federal troops and agencies to target sanctuary cities, Chicago has become ground zero in what could be the most consequential immigration battle of 2025.
Trump’s Federal Takeover Targets Sanctuary Cities
The White House has confirmed that Chicago will be the next city targeted in its nationwide crackdown on sanctuary cities. Federal agencies — and possibly the U.S. military — are being readied to enforce immigration laws in Chicago, despite resistance from state and local officials.
In one particularly controversial move, the administration has requested to use the Naval Station Great Lakes, located outside Chicago, as a base for immigration operations. This development underscores Trump’s determination to expand federal power in cities that refuse to cooperate with ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
Pritzker: “Troops on the Streets Don’t Belong Here”
Governor Pritzker responded forcefully in an interview with CBS on Sunday:
“Any kind of troops on the streets of an American city don’t belong unless there is an insurrection, unless there is truly an emergency. There is not. I’m going to do everything I can to stop him from taking away people’s rights and from using the military to invade states.”
Pritzker said his office has received no communication from the Trump administration about the planned actions. Instead, he accused federal officials of secretly plotting to deploy forces in Chicago without coordinating with local leaders.
“It’s disruptive and dangerous,” Pritzker warned. “It stirs up tension on the ground when we’re left in the dark and can’t coordinate with them.”
Trump Escalates Attacks on Illinois Governor
On Saturday, Trump blasted Pritzker on Truth Social, calling him a “weak and pathetic Governor” who is failing to stop crime in Chicago. He threatened that federal troops would intervene unless the city is “straightened out, FAST.”
Pritzker dismissed the attack, accusing Trump of pursuing political goals rather than public safety.
“He’d like to stop the elections in 2026 or, frankly, take control of those elections. He’ll just claim that there’s some problem with an election, and then he’s got troops on the ground that can take control. We have sovereignty.”
The governor also pushed back against Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who accused Illinois of refusing to support federal law enforcement. Pritzker noted that Illinois police had previously provided protection for ICE officials, while also safeguarding First Amendment rights during protests.
Chicago Mayor Moves to Block Federal Immigration Raids
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Pritzker in opposing Trump’s plan, signing an executive order on Saturday that bars Chicago police from assisting federal authorities in immigration enforcement.
The order specifically prohibits local police from:
Participating in immigration raids
Assisting with traffic stops or checkpoints tied to immigration enforcement
Supporting patrols connected to federal immigration crackdowns
Johnson said the city must act to protect residents’ constitutional rights amid the “imminent militarized immigration crackdown.”
“This plan is out of control,” Johnson said. “Chicago will not be complicit in tearing families apart.”
Why This Showdown Matters
The federal takeover of immigration enforcement in Chicago is not just a local dispute — it’s a national test of presidential power, state sovereignty, and the future of sanctuary cities.
Immigrant rights advocates fear mass raids will devastate families and erode trust in law enforcement.
Local leaders argue militarized enforcement will destabilize neighborhoods and undermine public safety.
Trump supporters frame the plan as necessary to restore law and order and combat crime.
At the heart of the conflict lies a deeper question: Who decides how immigration is enforced — Washington, or local governments that represent their communities?
What’s Next for Chicago and Illinois
Federal action in Chicago could begin within days, making the city the centerpiece of Trump’s immigration crackdown strategy. Both Governor Pritzker and Mayor Johnson have pledged to resist and to defend Chicago’s status as a sanctuary city.
The outcome of this showdown will shape not only the future of immigration policy in Illinois but also the broader debate over democracy, elections, and presidential power heading into 2026.
Key Takeaways for Readers
Trump is preparing a federal immigration crackdown in Chicago, possibly using U.S. troops.
Governor JB Pritzker has vowed to resist, calling the plan an “invasion” of state sovereignty.
Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order blocking local police from assisting federal raids.
The conflict represents a national test of immigration enforcement, sanctuary city protections, and federal power.
Thousands are flocking to 2025’s “It Card”
This leading card now offers 0% interest on balance transfers and purchases until nearly 2027. That’s almost two years to pay off your balance, sans interest. So the only question is, what are you waiting for?