National Guard Troops Deployed Amid Rising Tensions Over Urban Crime Control

Sat Oct 11 2025 04:08:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The Trump administration sends National Guard troops to major cities like Chicago and Memphis, despite opposition from local leaders and a backdrop of declining crime rates. The deployment raises questions about federal authority and local governance.

The Trump administration is moving forward with deploying National Guard troops to Chicago and Memphis as part of its aggressive crime control measures, despite pushback from local governments. Chicago, labeled a 'hell hole' by Trump, has actually seen a decrease in crime rates. The deployment faces legal challenges, especially from Democratic leaders who argue it undermines local authority. The situation is evolving into a confrontation between state governors and federal officials, particularly regarding the role of the military in domestic law enforcement.

ELWOOD, Ill. (AP) — National Guard troops are being deployed as the Trump administration aggressively seeks to tackle urban crime in cities like Chicago and Memphis, regardless of local opposition. Troops have already arrived at an Army Reserve center in Elwood, Illinois, raising questions about their specific roles in areas where crime rates have been declining.

In Memphis, preparations are underway as law enforcement officials anticipate the arrival of these troops, with plans for them to assist local forces. Tennessee's Republican Governor, Bill Lee, confirmed the troops would be deputized, although details surrounding their operations remain ambiguous.

The deployment comes despite criticism from local leaders. Chicago's Mayor, Brandon Johnson, has spoken against federal authorities using the city's facilities for what he termed as political maneuvers. Governor JB Pritzker also criticized the use of military resources as political tools.

Despite being labeled a 'hell hole' by President Trump, Chicago has reported significant decreases in violent crime, including a 31% drop in homicides this year alone. Similarly, Memphis has seen its crime rates stabilize against a national trend of rising violence. The National Guard's mission remains unclear, reflecting a broader conflict over local self-governance rights.

As legal challenges mount against this executive action, questions about the appropriateness of deploying military personnel within U.S. borders, especially under a local opposition context, will be front and center.

Critics of the deployment argue that it may infringe upon the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of military personnel for domestic law enforcement without explicit authorization.