I do not agree with President Donald Trump on a lot of issues, among them tariffs, cuts to international aid, education, Medicaid and National Institutes of Health research. Plus, his executive orders that will set racial progress back decades. However, I welcome the National Guard to Chicago if it will save lives from violence. The value of human life cannot be measured, and life must be protected at all costs.
The nation’s capital went 12 days without a murder following the deployment of the National Guard. Can you imagine a weekend in Chicago without anyone shot? Last weekend, 27 people were wounded and six killed in Chicago shootings, according to CBS News. Over the last decade, thousands of people have been shot and killed. Public safety must be the top priority of all elected leaders.
Something must be done to disrupt the status quo of violence in impoverished communities on the South and West sides of Chicago. The majority of those shot and killed have been Black. The costs of violence are staggering — lost lives, shattered dreams, hospitalizations, investigations, arrests, prosecutions and business relocations. Black and brown communities are being terrorized by violence. People are being shot, and criminals are not being arrested.
University of Chicago Crime Lab data from 2024 reveals that Black residents are 22 times more likely to be killed by gun violence compared with white residents. In neighborhoods with the highest levels of gun violence, the disparity widens to 68 times. Black communities account for a disproportionate number of victims of crimes such as aggravated battery.
The Trace and Block Club Chicago report that city police made arrests in only 27% of homicides committed between 2010 and 2024.
The president’s actions are a direct result of Democratic leaders’ failure to protect vulnerable populations. Politicians are elected to serve the people, not their own personal feelings. The failure of Democratic leaders in Illinois to communicate directly with Trump could cause irreparable harm to our state. Not talking directly with the president does not make good sense. What happened to extracting resources from the White House to help residents in Illinois?
Illinois leaders should look back at the relationship between Mayor Richard M. Daley and President George W. Bush. They had a friendly relationship and mutual respect for each other in spite of being from different political parties. They collaborated on city issues and education reform. Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson’s personal feelings toward Trump must be set aside for the benefit of citizens in Chicago and Illinois.
Pritzker has said the National Guard is not needed in Chicago. What is he doing to protect citizens in communities where they are afraid to let their children play outside or walk to school? Do Black residents deserve to live in safe communities? The overwhelming number of people shot are Black — is this acceptable?
How can Pritzker prepare to run for president of the United States when he has failed to protect Black citizens? The governor should set his personal ambition and feelings aside and work for the people of Illinois. Our state needs federal government resources for infrastructure, public safety, education and much more.
Illinois’ sanctuary policies have invited the Trump administration to come in and enforce immigration laws. The failure of law enforcement to work with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement with its search for immigrants is being used as another justification for sending in the National Guard. Illinois leaders have prioritized protecting migrants over citizens and spent over $1 billion on migrant health care. They never asked voters — should we continue our sanctuary status?
The following are suggestions to ensure the safety of all residents:
- Pritzker, Johnson, Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Illinois members of Congress should meet with Trump.
- Democratic leaders in Illinois must protect vulnerable communities in the same way downtown communities are prioritized.
- Pritzker, Johnson and Preckwinkle should ask Illinois residents via a referendum if we want to remain a sanctuary state.
- Pritzker, Johnson and Preckwinkle should allow the National Guard to coordinate with the Chicago Police Department, Cook County sheriff’s office and Illinois State Police to push the criminals out.
- Johnson should hire at least 1,000 more Chicago police officers.
- Trump should provide better education, housing, jobs and health care to impoverished communities.
Using the National Guard to shut down open-air drug markets and curb violence in overwhelmingly Black and brown communities on the South and West sides would not be a sign of weakness. It would be a response to protect lives from gangs, guns and drugs.
How many more marches will there be after a gifted young person is shot and killed? How many more tears from Black mothers and fathers who lose their children to violence?
Every life is worth saving. No more hand-wringing and excuses by politicians who love to talk while people are terrorized. Public safety is a matter of life and death — especially if you live in one of the communities with the highest levels of violence.
Democratic leaders have a responsibility to make all neighborhoods safe. The Bible instructs us to love our neighbors and pray for our enemies. Those living in fear are our neighbors. The status quo cannot continue.
I write this commentary to make those comfortable with high levels of violence in Black and brown communities uncomfortable.
Willie Wilson is a business owner, philanthropist and former mayoral candidate.
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