Pritzker Critiques Trump’s Military Moves Amid Chicago Marathon

CHICAGO, Illinois — As the city prepared for the annual Chicago Marathon this weekend, Governor J.B. Pritzker criticized President Donald Trump for his decision to deploy National Guard troops to Illinois amid ongoing tensions related to immigration enforcement.

Trump’s administration announced plans to send 300 Illinois National Guard members to support federal immigration efforts. Pritzker, a Democrat, called the move an “invasion” and stated it was unlawful without the state’s consent. “We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s Invasion,” Pritzker said.

The governor’s remarks came as Chicago welcomed over a million people, including tourists and locals, to cheer on marathon runners. While many celebrated the spirit of the city, Trump painted a starkly different picture, labeling Chicago a “war-torn hellhole.”

On Thursday, Pritzker humorously portrayed the chaos in Chicago during a segment on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” with a mock news report, wearing body armor and joking about the conflicts involving the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers.

In a judicial twist, U.S. District Judge April Perry ruled against Trump’s plan to federalize National Guard troops in Illinois for immigration enforcement activities, allowing Pritzker to express cautious optimism. “I am very pleased,” he told reporters regarding the ruling which blocked troop deployment.

Trump’s administration continues to face legal challenges regarding the use of military assets on U.S. soil, specifically from Pritzker and other U.S. officials who argue it violates the Posse Comitatus Act. “We think we’re going to get the right results, because we know that it’s unconstitutional for him to attack our states and our cities the way that he has,” Pritzker remarked.

Meanwhile, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul affirmed their commitment to uphold the Constitution against what they call Trump’s unlawful actions. The situation remains fluid as Trump’s administration has already appealed recent judicial rulings to the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.

The political climate in the state is tense, with ongoing debates about who has authority over the National Guard and how to balance state and federal powers amid heightened tensions around immigration and law enforcement.

As both sides prepare for further legal and political battles, the governor’s focus appears to remain on navigating the state’s response to an increasingly polarized national landscape.