The political confrontation in the United States escalated today over President Donald Trump’s plan to combat crime and illegal immigration in Chicago, after a cabinet member promised to deploy more federal security personnel while the Illinois governor described Trump as a threat to democracy.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem told CBS News that authorities will strengthen immigration and customs enforcement operations in Chicago and other parts of the U.S., but refrained from providing further details.

She added that Trump will make any decision regarding the deployment of National Guard troops.

On the same channel, Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker said Trump wants to deploy forces to stop or manipulate the upcoming midterm elections next year.

He said, “He wants to stop the 2026 elections or frankly control them… He will simply claim there is a problem with the elections, and the forces on the ground will be able to control them.”

White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson criticized Pritzker, accusing him of not making enough effort to combat crime.

She said in a statement, “Chicago residents would be safer if Pritzker actually got to work and addressed the crime problem instead of trying to be the hero of the liberal resistance.”

Last week, Trump and senior officials said Chicago would soon become a target of efforts to fight crime and illegal immigration.

Trump has criticized crime in Chicago, a Democratic stronghold, for years despite statistics showing a decline in most violent crimes this year.

Democrat Brandon Johnson, Chicago’s mayor, issued an executive order on Saturday preventing local police from assisting the National Guard or other federal operations.

Noem said today that Trump’s decision to send thousands of National Guard troops to Los Angeles in June following protests saved the Democrat-led city from destruction.

She added, “Los Angeles would not be standing today without President Trump’s intervention… This city would have burned if left to the city’s mayor and governor to manage.”