National Guard Troops Deployed Amid Controversial Crime Policies in U.S. Cities

Sat Oct 11 2025 06:13:54 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As the Trump administration intensifies its crackdown on urban crime, National Guard troops are being deployed to Chicago and Memphis, sparking legal battles and local opposition to federal intervention.

The Trump administration's aggressive law enforcement policy has led to the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago and Memphis, facing opposition from local officials and a lawsuit to halt the deployment in Illinois. While crime statistics show a decline in violent crime, including a 31% drop in homicides in Chicago, the debate continues regarding the necessity and legality of federal force in local matters.

ELWOOD, Ill. (AP) — National Guard troops are now stationed outside Chicago and are expected to move to Memphis, Tennessee, by Friday as part of the Trump administration’s push for a vigorous response to urban crime, despite significant local pushback.

Several National Guard members from Texas have arrived at an Army Reserve center in Illinois, amid ongoing legal challenges and fierce objections from Democratic leaders regarding their deployment. The specific mission of these troops remains unclear, although there are indications they may be involved in federal operations related to immigration enforcement in Chicago.

President Trump has labeled Chicago a 'hell hole' in terms of crime, yet police data reveals a notable reduction in criminal incidents, including a substantial decrease in homicides. In Chicago, for instance, homicides dropped by 31% through August this year.

In Memphis, local police are coordinating with Guard commanders who are already on the ground, preparing for the arrival of additional troops. State officials, including Republican Governor Bill Lee, have indicated that the military will be enlisted to bolster law enforcement, yet the specific functions they will serve remain undefined.

The situation has led to a conflict primarily between federal intentions and state governance, with Illinois officials filing a lawsuit to prevent what they describe as Trump's continued 'War' on Illinois. A court hearing is set for this Thursday.

Critics, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, argue that these actions use troops as 'political props' and highlight a lack of transparency from the federal government regarding their deployment. Pritzker and other officials from blue states have vocalized their distrust regarding the motivations behind deploying armed personnel in cities with active opposition to federal intervention.

Despite declining violent crime nationwide, the Trump administration's deployment of military assets in urban areas has drawn heavy scrutiny. Previous judicial rulings have limited the military's role in domestic law enforcement, ensuring that measures such as the Insurrection Act, which would allow for the use of active-duty troops in civil matters, remain contentious.