Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker claims that he has received information from sources within the Trump administration and military about planned federal law enforcement operations in Chicago.
Speaking to MSNBC host and former White House press secretary under former President Joe Biden, Jen Psaki, he described the reports as “well-sourced rumors” while noting he did not have formal authorization to disclose the information.
The comments come amid rising concern over violent crime in Chicago, where recent weekends have left at least 14 people dead and nearly 100 injured in shootings.
City officials have long struggled with gang-related violence and other public safety challenges, prompting federal authorities to consider interventions.
President Trump has indicated that federal law enforcement operations, potentially including National Guard deployments, could be sent to address the situation.
White House officials have emphasized that federal action is intended to bolster local law enforcement and restore public safety in neighborhoods hit hardest by violent crime.
According to Pritzker, roughly 200 Homeland Security personnel could be deployed as early as this week, with the operation possibly extending through September.
The effort is expected to focus on apprehending illegal immigrants, though the National Guard could be mobilized to assist with broader public