Over Labor Day weekend, at least 54 people were shot in Chicago, seven fatally, according to NBC Chicago. The surge in violence reignited tensions between city leaders and President Trump, who has proposed sending federal forces to help with public safety.

Mayor Brandon Johnson and Governor J.B. Pritzker, both Democrats, rejected the offer, calling it federal overreach. In response, Johnson signed an executive order barring city police from cooperating with federal agents or the National Guard. “We do not want to see tanks in our streets,” Johnson said. “We will protect our Constitution, our city, and our people.” The order also bans local police from participating in immigration enforcement and requires clear officer identification during operations.

The White House condemned the move. Spokeswoman Abigail Jackson accused Democrats of “politicizing crime,” claiming their refusal of federal help undermines public safety. The Trump administration maintains the deployment is a lawful effort to curb violence and enforce immigration laws.

Chicago has reported 272 homicides so far this year, including 225 fatal shootings, with similar spikes over Memorial Day and July 4th weekends. As midterms approach, Democrats face pressure to address crime without appearing to reject federal aid—a challenge likely to influence voters.