Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker claimed he was sidelined and not informed beforehand of Trump administration sending 300 National Guard troops to the state as part of its efforts targeting unauthorized immigrant, which he sees as a violation of the state’s sovereignty.
He claimed that U.S. citizens — including children and older adults — are being harassed in federal operations.
Tensions flared over the weekend following a violent incident in which a woman was shot after allegedly attempting to ram U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents with her vehicle.
In a statement posted on X late on Sunday Pritzker wrote: “This evening, President Trump is ordering 400 members of the Texas National Guard for deployments to Illinois, Oregon, and other locations within the United States. No officials from the federal government called me directly to discuss or coordinate.
“We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s Invasion. It started with federal agents, it will soon include deploying federalized members of the Illinois National Guard against our wishes, and it will now involve sending in another state’s military troops
“I call on Governor Abbott to immediately withdraw any support for this decision and refuse to coordinate. There is no reason a President should send military troops into a sovereign state without their knowledge, consent, or cooperation.
“The brave men and women who serve in our national guards must not be used as political props. This is a moment where every American must speak up and help stop this madness.” The statement read.
However, the Texas governor Greg Abbott supported Trump’s move affirming in a post: “America must also know that Texas still has thousands of National Guard assisting with the Border security.
“I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials.
“You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it.
“No Guard can match the training, skill, and expertise of the Texas National Guard.
“They defend our country with pride.” Abbot added.
The Trump administration announced it is sending 300 National Guard troops to Illinois as part of its efforts targeting unauthorized immigrants.
The move angered the president’s critics, who celebrated a federal judge’s decision to temporarily block the deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, to protect ICE facilities.
Mr. Pritzker’s criticism intensified last week after Border Patrol agents conducted a late-night raid on a Chicago apartment building. According to news reports, several U.S. citizens were temporarily detained, and children were forcibly removed from their beds.
California governor Gavin Newsom declared the president move is an abuse of power encouraging Illinois governor to be vocal and while pushing against such harassment
“This is a breathtaking abuse of the law and power by the President of the United States. America is on the brink of martial law. Do not be silent.”