Sangamon Sun

Illinois State Representative Martin McLaughlin has issued a statement following Governor J.B. Pritzker’s press conference regarding the potential deployment of federal troops to address violent crime in Illinois.

McLaughlin described his recent visit to Washington, D.C., where he observed what he called the results of decisive public safety measures during the deployment of federal troops. He stated, “During the deployment of federal troops in our nation’s capital, crime dropped significantly. Murders were nonexistent, and carjackings fell by 86%. These are not political talking points—these are facts.”

Reflecting on his long-standing concerns about disparities in public safety between Chicago neighborhoods and suburban communities, McLaughlin said, “Twelve years ago, I spoke on this very issue, questioning why neighborhoods in Chicago like Washington Park or South Shore are not as safe as suburban communities like Wauconda or South Barrington. Why don’t families in the inner city receive the same level of protection and peace of mind as those in the suburbs? Why is equity in public safety still treated as a privilege instead of a right?”

He criticized Governor Pritzker’s opposition to possible federal intervention and pointed to local policies he believes have failed to protect vulnerable communities. “Governor Pritzker has expressed concern about federal troops potentially coming to Illinois to address violent crime. Mayor Johnson’s administration—and many big-city Democrat mayors—have failed to deliver meaningful safety to the very communities that need it most. The so-called ‘progressive’ policies, including the cashless bail provision under the SAFE-T Act, have disproportionately hurt the families they were meant to help,” McLaughlin stated.

Emphasizing that public safety should transcend politics, McLaughlin added, “Public safety is not a partisan issue—it is a human one. Any reasonable person should support using every available resource to protect our citizens, especially in areas that have suffered decades of disinvestment, neglect, and violence.”

He concluded with an appeal for action: “We owe it to the mothers and fathers in these neighborhoods to ensure their children can walk to the park and return home safely—just as we expect for our own families in the suburbs. Enough with the excuses. If federal support is what it takes to finally bring safety and stability to our communities, bring it on.

The time for political pride and posturing is over. The time for action—to protect businesses, families, and children—is now.”

McLaughlin was elected as a Republican representative for Illinois’ 52nd House District in 2021 after succeeding David McSweeney.