Illinois and Chicago officials moved quickly over the weekend to oppose a reported White House plan that could send several thousand National Guard troops to Chicago as early as next month. The Washington Post first disclosed that Pentagon planners have been examining deployment options; a U.S. official later confirmed to ABC News that those deliberations are under way, though no formal order has been issued. President Donald Trump, who earlier this month dispatched roughly 2,000 Guard members to patrol Washington, D.C., told reporters Friday that Chicago would likely be the next city targeted in his anti-crime initiative. He has cited federal authority under Title 10, Section 12406, which allows a president to mobilize Guard units in narrow circumstances such as rebellion or obstruction of federal law. Governor JB Pritzker called the prospective action an unconstitutional “manufactured crisis,” stressing that Illinois has neither requested nor needs military assistance. Mayor Brandon Johnson said a troop presence would be an “uncalled-for, unsound” occupation that could erode hard-won trust between residents and police. City data show homicides down 30 percent, robberies 35 percent and shootings nearly 40 percent from a year ago. Democratic leaders nationwide echoed the criticism. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Trump lacks legal authority to “drop federal troops” into Chicago, while former mayors Rahm Emanuel and Lori Lightfoot argued the move is politically motivated rather than crime-focused. Local and state officials are reviewing legal options to block any order, setting the stage for a possible court fight if the White House presses ahead.