Delphine Cherry knows how devastating violent crime can be; in 1992, her teenage daughter was shot and killed in a gang-related incident in Chicago, and in 2012, her son met the same fate. 'You don’t think it’s going to happen twice in your life,' she lamented.
The city braces itself for a proposed National Guard deployment by President Trump, aimed at tackling crime in a city he labeled a 'hellhole.' However, the administration remains vague about the specifics of the operation, including troop numbers and the extent of their roles in civilian law enforcement.
The announcement has been met with skepticism from city and state leaders, as well as families affected by crime, questioning the long-term effectiveness of such measures. Many express concerns that sending troops would only serve as political theater rather than a genuine attempt to tackle the underlying issues of violence.
Did National Guard Deployments in Other Cities Yield Results?
Looking at past deployments in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, some residents speculate about what troop assignment in Chicago would entail. In D.C., the National Guard helped with policing efforts, but raises questions about whether this approach is sustainable or effective in the long run. Officials noted a significant drop in certain crimes; however, issues with rapid case dismissals raised concerns regarding the judicial process.
Calls for Community Support Over Militarization
Despite Trump’s focus on deploying troops, local leaders like Mayor Brandon Johnson advocate for increased federal funding towards community programs and violence prevention. Chicago’s 573 homicides last year represented a decline from previous years, and many locals believe addressing infrastructural issues and poverty would bring about a more profound change than military enforcement.
Victims’ families such as Cherry, and others like Trevon Bosley, argue for community-based solutions. Bosley believes accessing resources can significantly transform neighborhoods into safe havens, emphasizing that adequate support can foster community growth just as vibrant as any affluent part of the city.
'The National Guard and police respond after shootings occur. They don't prevent them,' he concluded, echoing the sentiment that prevention is key to dismantling the cycle of violence.
