Would The National Guard Actually Curb Crime In Chicago?

President Trump has suggested deploying the National Guard to Chicago, a move that local leaders, including Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, oppose as unconstitutional. Professor Lance Williams, a violence intervention expert, believes that the National Guard's involvement would not effectively address crime and could worsen community tensions. Chicago's historical relationship with the National Guard includes violent confrontations, notably during labor protests and civil unrest in the 1960s. Recent crime statistics show a decrease in violence, with homicides dropping from 387 to 262 in 2024 and robberies down by 32%.

This decline is attributed to enhanced investment in violence prevention initiatives. The National Guard's previous deployments in Chicago have not yielded positive results, often leading to increased unrest. Local leaders emphasize that federal intervention is unnecessary given the current trends in crime reduction. Therefore, they argue that the focus should remain on community-based solutions rather than military presence.