Chicago, a city plagued by violent crime, is now facing an even greater threat from the White House. President Donald Trump has announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to combat crime, but many residents are bracing for more than just increased security measures.
The South Side of Chicago is home to some of the city’s most notorious neighborhoods, where violent crime is on the rise. But it’s not just about the numbers – it’s about the people affected by these crimes. Meet Rob White, a coach who works with young men trying to escape the cycle of gang violence.
For White and his colleagues at Chicago CRED, the issue goes beyond just crime rates. It’s about addressing the root causes of violence: poverty, lack of opportunities, and a lack of funding for programs that target the source of the problem – weapons trafficking.
But Trump’s plans to deploy National Guard troops have sparked outrage among Democrats who run the city. ‘The outcome is already happening,’ says Kanoya Ali, a colleague of White’s. ‘The troops are already here. We are the troops.’
The Labor Day crime numbers cited by Trump as part of his threat to militarize Chicago were actually cited as evidence that violence is already being addressed through community programs and initiatives.
Violent crime in Chicago has fallen significantly over the past two years, with homicides down 125 last year and shooting victims down more than 700. But the overall levels remain higher than average for many US cities.
Superintendent Larry Snelling of the Chicago Police Department acknowledges that the National Guard does not have police powers, but stresses the need for coordination between law enforcement and the military. ‘If I could have more officers,’ he says, ‘I’d love to help.’
As tensions rise in Chicago, one thing is clear: this is not just about crime rates – it’s about the people affected by it. The question now is: what will be the cost of deploying National Guard troops to a city already struggling to find its way?
Source: www.bbc.com
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