Former President Barack Obama warned Thursday that the Trump administration’s increasing use of the military in domestic operations threatens due process and civil liberties.
Obama tweeted: “The erosion of fundamental principles, like due process, and the increased use of the military on American soil jeopardize the freedoms of all Americans and should concern Democrats and Republicans alike.”
Why It Matters
Obama’s comments came after the Department of Homeland Security requested support for Naval Station Great Lakes, a military base north of Chicago, in a possible anti-immigration operation.
Base spokesman Matt Mogel said Wednesday that the Department of Homeland Security had requested “limited support in the form of facilities, infrastructure, and other logistical needs to support the department’s operations.”
The request follows President Donald Trump’s recent deployment of National Guard troops to Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., as part of a broader federal campaign to combat crime, homelessness, and immigration.
Illinois leaders, including Gov. J.B. Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson, both Democrats, have vowed to resist any deployment to Chicago, saying the city neither needs nor wants troops.
What To Know
In his post on X, Obama also shared an episode of The New York Times podcast, “The Ezra Klein Show,” which included an interview with journalist Radley Balko.
“This interview, also available as a podcast, offers a useful look at some of the dangerous trends we’ve seen in recent months regarding the federalization and militarization of local and state policing,” Obama said.
Trump recently criticized Pritzker and Johnson over crime in Chicago.
“Truly deadly weekend in Chicago. 6 dead, 27 injured in a crime wave across the city. Governor Pritzker, panicking, claims crime is under control, when in reality, it’s the exact opposite. He’s an incompetent governor and should ask me for help. Mayor Johnson is no better. Let’s make Chicago great again!” Trump wrote on Truth Social on Tuesday.
Johnson’s office released the new year-to-date crime statistics on Monday. According to the mayor’s office, homicides are down 32.3 percent and violent crimes are down 21.6 percent.
Pritzker told The Associated Press that the troop presence could make the situation worse.
“What he’s trying to do is create one problem that’s going to create another problem, and then he points the finger at it,” Pritzker said, referring to Trump.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump, on Truth Social: “Governor Pritzker had 6 murders in Chicago this weekend. 20 people were shot. But he doesn’t want to ask me for help. Can this be possible? The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats aren’t capable of doing. STAY TUNED!!!”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, on X: “Unlike Donald Trump, we keep our promises. We will not stand idly by if he decides to send the National Guard to intimidate Chicagoans. Action will be met with a response.”
What Happens Next
Mogle said no decisions have been made on the request from the DHS regarding Naval Station Great Lakes, and that the base hasn’t received an official request to support a National Guard deployment.
The Illinois National Guard had not received any requests regarding mobilization in Chicago as of Thursday, Major Dutch Grove, a Guard spokesman, told the Associated Press.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.