Chicago Democratic leader wants Trump to send in the National Guard
Alderman Raymond Lopez, a prominent Democratic leader on the south side of Chicago, has made a bold statement by suggesting that President Trump should send in the National Guard to help combat crime in the city. According to Lopez, about half of his colleagues agree with this idea but are hesitant to speak up due to fear of backlash.
Lopez, who represents Chicago’s 15th Ward, believes that the city cannot afford to ignore the assistance being offered by the White House to address the ongoing violence and criminal activities plaguing the streets. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that every possible resource should be utilized to ensure the safety of Chicago residents.
Having served his diverse ward for a decade, Lopez has witnessed disturbing incidents of crime, including human trafficking, gang warfare, and senseless violence. He highlighted a recent incident where high school students were gunned down by a Venezuelan migrant, underscoring the severity of the situation.
The proposal to deploy the National Guard in Chicago is inspired by the successful operations carried out in Washington, DC, which led to a significant reduction in crime rates. While President Trump has expressed his willingness to send federal troops to Chicago, local leaders such as Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson have not yet requested assistance.
Lopez, who is one of the few Democrats advocating for Trump’s plan, emphasized the importance of prioritizing public safety over political differences. He criticized his Democratic colleagues for being out of touch with the realities of crime and violence faced by Chicago residents on a daily basis.
Despite facing backlash for his stance, Lopez believes that a significant portion of the Chicago City Council secretly supports the idea of deploying the National Guard but is reluctant to speak out due to political pressures. He also mentioned that the residents of Ward 15 overwhelmingly support Trump’s plan, seeing through the political rhetoric aimed at undermining the president.
While Lopez and a few others, like former Cook County 1st Assistant State’s Attorney Robert Milan, have voiced their support for Trump’s proposal, the focus remains on political disputes rather than addressing the pressing safety concerns in the city. Milan emphasized that public safety should take precedence over political agendas, urging leaders to prioritize the well-being of the community over partisan conflicts.
