Illinois Governor JB Pritzker raised concerns Sunday that President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement plans could impact future elections, as the White House signaled a forthcoming surge of federal assets to Chicago.
During an appearance on CBS’s Face The Nation, Pritzker alleged that the administration’s strategy to combat crime and target illegal immigration in the city carried political motives.
He claimed the deployment of federal assets amounted to “an attack on the American people” and suggested the president’s “other intentions” were linked to elections.
“This is a part of his plan to do something really nefarious, which is to interfere with elections in 2026,” Pritzker said at a separate press conference.
“He wants to have troops on the ground, to stop people from voting, to intimidate people from going to the voting booth. So, take note, that is what this is all about.”
The comments followed a weekend post from President Trump on social media in which he criticized the governor for resisting federal assistance in Chicago.
“Six people were killed, and 24 people were shot, in Chicago last weekend, and JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesn’t need help in preventing CRIME,” the president wrote.
“He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or we’re coming! MAGA. President DJT.”
Reports indicate the administration is preparing to carry out a major immigration enforcement operation in Chicago as soon as next week.
While details have not been disclosed, the president has not ruled out using National Guard personnel to assist with deportations.
Justice Department officials have said the operation will focus on targeting individuals with outstanding removal orders and violent offenders.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson joined Pritzker in opposing the plan.
The mayor, whose approval ratings have fallen sharply in recent months, announced Saturday that he would sign an executive order directing city agencies to resist federal enforcement efforts.
According to CNN, the order instructs departments and law enforcement to “pursue all available legal and legislative avenues to resist coordinated efforts from the federal government.”
Johnson also urged Chicago residents to “rise up” against the administration’s plan.
He argued that the federal deployment would undermine local authority and vowed to challenge the move in court.
“We are not going to let Donald Trump militarize our city,” Johnson said.
⛔️ BREAKING: Chicago police will not collaborate with any National Guard troops or federal agents if U.S. President Donald Trump deploys them to the city in coming days as threatened, Mayor Brandon Johnson said. pic.twitter.com/5FKIVancQe
— Bruce Snyder (@realBruceSnyder) August 30, 2025
The White House, however, maintains that the plan is necessary to restore order.
Administration officials have repeatedly pointed to violent crime in Chicago, as well as the city’s growing population of illegal aliens, as justification for deploying additional resources.
The legal battle over the president’s authority to mobilize federal assets may echo earlier disputes in California.
Attorney General Rob Bonta previously filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the administration from assuming control of that state’s National Guard during unrest in Los Angeles.
A federal appeals court ultimately sided with the president, ruling that he has the authority to deploy Guard personnel to address domestic crises.
With the temporary restraining order in California rejected and federal authority affirmed, legal experts note that Chicago officials face an uphill battle in preventing federal enforcement operations.
Still, both Pritzker and Johnson have pledged to continue opposing the administration’s efforts.
Federal agencies have not provided a specific timeline for the Chicago operation but confirmed preparations are underway.
The Department of Homeland Security is expected to coordinate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal partners if the surge moves forward.
