Chicago’s long defiance of federal authority resurfaces in Trump standoff
Image Credit: Trace Hudson (Pexels)
From the labor wars of the 19th century to modern battles over policing, immigration and civil rights, Chicago has established a reputation for pushing back against Washington.
That tradition of resistance is once again on display as Illinois leaders unite to oppose President Donald Trump’s plan to send the National Guard into the city without state or local consent.
In 1886, Chicago became the epicenter of the national labor movement when workers clashed with authorities at Haymarket Square while demanding an eight-hour workday. The deadly confrontation defined the city as a flashpoint in the struggle between workers and federal forces.
During Prohibition in the 1920s, federal liquor laws collided with Chicago realities, as organized crime figures openly defied Washington.
In the 1960s, Mayor Richard J. Daley’s city hall faced off with the federal government during the Democratic National Convention, when police cracked down on anti-war demonstrators, sparking national outrage. Civil rights activists likewise clashed with federal leaders reluctant to enforce housing and policing reforms.
By the 1980s, Chicago formally declared itself a sanctuary city, a position reaffirmed during multiple administrations in response to federal immigration crackdowns. Mayors Harold Washington, Rahm Emanuel, Lori Lightfoot and Brandon Johnson have all resisted federal directives they argued undermined local control.
Today’s fight with Trump
That legacy was evident again this week as a coalition of Illinois officials moved swiftly to rebuff Trump.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker: Called the proposal “a dangerous power-grab,” warning that sending troops without invitation would be unconstitutional. He highlighted that Chicago crime has dropped 13% this year, and murders are down more than 50% since 2021.
Mayor Brandon Johnson: Labeled Trump’s plan “uncalled for and unsound,” stressing that progress in public safety has come from investments in housing, mental health services and youth employment—not militarization.
Attorney General Kwame Raoul: Promised to challenge any unilateral deployment in court, saying Illinois will defend its constitutional rights.
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle: Said the move would undermine local law enforcement and threaten civil liberties.
Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth: Joined in condemning the plan, calling it political theater designed to score points rather than keep communities safe.
Chicago City Council allies, including Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez and Ald. Rossana Rodriguez rallied with immigrant rights groups and community organizers, warning that troops on city streets would escalate tensions rather than reduce violence.
The resistance was broad, drawing support from faith leaders, community coalitions and business voices across the city.
Not all leaders were opposed. Businessman and former mayoral candidate Willie Wilson broke ranks, urging Trump to follow through. He argued that violence on the South and West sides required stronger intervention. But other local figures, including former CPD Superintendent Garry McCarthy, cautioned that deploying untrained Guard members could make matters worse.
The standoff fits squarely into Chicago’s history: a city willing to resist Washington in defense of labor rights, immigrant protections, and civil liberties. For generations, Chicago has stood “ten toes down” against federal pressure—and with Trump’s latest threat, the tradition continues.
