Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, a Republican, derided Illinois Democratic Gov. J.B. Pritzker, labeling him a “joke” for disagreeing with his choice to deploy Texas National Guard troops to bolster security for immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago.
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Abbott stated, “Gov. Pritzker is a joke” and is “violating his oath of office” by attempting to obstruct federal law enforcement’s mission to enhance safety in Chicago and other Illinois localities.
The Pentagon verified that Texas National Guard personnel arrived in Illinois on Tuesday, tasked with safeguarding federal staff and property amid demonstrations against immigration. According to a Pentagon representative, 200 guardsmen have been activated for an initial two-month period.
Pritzker, a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender and vocal detractor of President Donald Trump, has decried the National Guard deployment, characterizing it as “Trump’s invasion,” and urging Abbott to rescind his backing. He has also suggested withdrawing from the National Governors’ Association if the bipartisan organization does not denounce the deployment.
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The state of Illinois, in conjunction with the city of Chicago, has also initiated a federal lawsuit aimed at halting the deployment.
In his discussion with Fox News Digital, Abbott asserted that Pritzker’s actions contravene the U.S. Constitution.
“You might recall that not long ago, he placed his left hand on a bible, raised his right hand, and pledged to God that he would uphold the Constitution of the United States. Instead of supporting it and enabling federal officials to enforce federal law, he is violating the Constitution and the oath he took by hindering federal officials from carrying out the executive branch of the federal government,” Abbott explained.
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He stated that it is “only logical” that Trump would enlist his “elite National Guard to offer assistance anywhere in the nation,” citing Texas soldiers’ considerable experience in maintaining security at the southern border.
“Texas boasts the most experienced, largest, and best-trained National Guard in the United States,” he remarked. “Americans should remember that we had thousands of our National Guard securing the American border, the largest border state in the country, spanning over 1,200 miles. It was Texas, not the federal government under the Biden administration, that had to step up and secure the border.”
“Now, with a president who is finally enforcing the laws of the United States … it’s only natural that if there’s a need for that elite National Guard to provide assistance anywhere in the country, that it would be the National Guard called upon,” he added.
While Pritzker has denounced the deployment as an “invasion,” Abbott clarified that his soldiers’ presence in the state is strictly to reinforce federal officials who have recently encountered strong opposition from agitators in Illinois.
“They play a crucial backup role for the Texas Department of Public Safety. Currently, they are playing a vital backup role in ensuring the safety of federal officials as they enforce federal law in areas such as Illinois, Oregon, and other places,” he elaborated. “There’s turmoil in regions where ICE is attempting to operate and enforce the law. ICE and other federal officials require safety and security as they carry out their duties.”
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He continued, “It is essential for the public to understand that these federal officials are obligated to enforce federal law. Anyone who interferes with their work is obstructing their ability to fulfill their responsibilities.”
“The National Guard is trained and skilled in handling civil unrest situations like this,” Abbott noted. “Whenever the nation faces times of need, Texans are ready to step up and offer assistance in any way we can.”
Fox News Digital contacted Pritzker’s office for their response but has not yet received it.
