President-elect Donald Trump’‘s proposal to use the U.S. military for mass deportations has sparked significant concern in Illinois, with local leaders and advocacy groups raising alarms about the legality and impact of such a plan.
Trump’s announcement on Monday that he would declare a national emergency to fulfill his campaign promise of mass deportations has left many residents, especially in immigrant-heavy communities like Chicago’s Little Village, anxious about the potential consequences. The plan, which involves the military forcibly removing migrants without legal status, has drawn sharp criticism.
Alderman Mike Rodriguez of the 22nd Ward voiced his concerns, likening the potential presence of military tanks in Chicago’s streets to a scene from Tiananmen Square. “But, imagine this on 26th Street or Michigan Avenue, tanks coming down our streets. This will be the new Tiananmen Square. The fact is this is serious,” he stated.
Trump has long advocated for aggressive deportation measures, promising to launch what he called “the largest deportation program in American history” since his campaign. In a rally at Madison Square Garden, Trump reiterated his stance: “On day one, I will launch the largest deportation program in American history to get the criminals out.”
However, legal questions have arisen surrounding the use of military forces in civilian matters. Governor JB Pritzker expressed concerns about the plan’s constitutionality and appropriateness. “We are deeply concerned about the president of the United States calling out the military inside the United States, where people are peaceful, even if there may be people who are undocumented,” Pritzker remarked.
In response to Trump’s announcement, immigrant advocacy organizations in Chicago and across the country are preparing to fight back. The Resurrection Project, a prominent immigrant rights group, has been actively informing immigrants of their rights, advising them to avoid opening their doors to authorities without a warrant. Additionally, the organization has lawyers ready to respond to any legal challenges that may arise.
Erandira Rendon, Vice President of Immigrant Justice for the Resurrection Project, emphasized the importance of legal preparedness. “We’re going to make sure that any potential lawsuits against the administration for its misuse of military or National Guard forces are ready,” she said.
Constitutional law experts suggest that while the president may have the authority under the Insurrection Act to call upon the military to suppress uprisings, the current immigration situation does not meet the criteria for an emergency. With the issue of undocumented immigration having persisted for decades, many argue that the use of military force is unwarranted.
As discussions continue, it remains to be seen how this plan will unfold and whether it will withstand legal challenges. The growing resistance in Illinois reflects broader concerns across the nation about the implications of militarizing immigration enforcement.