Andrew S. Chesney, Illinois State Senator for 45th District | Illinois General Assembly
Andrew S. Chesney, Illinois State Senator for 45th District | Illinois General Assembly
State Senator Andrew Chesney (R-Freeport) has joined other conservative legislators and anti-crime advocates in calling for President Donald Trump to deploy the National Guard to address violent crime in Chicago.
“President Trump is absolutely right. Federal law enforcement resources are urgently needed to restore public safety in our cities, and nowhere is that more true than in Chicago,” Chesney said. “Governor Pritzker, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, and Illinois Democrats have fostered a pro-crime, anti-police environment. They’ve abandoned victims, undermined law enforcement, and turned their backs on the people of Chicago.”
Chesney and his colleagues referenced 2024 crime statistics showing over 600 homicides and more than 3,000 shootings in Chicago. According to them, similar crime rates have continued through August 2025. They compared these figures with outcomes seen after the National Guard was deployed in Washington, D.C., claiming significant reductions in homicides and carjackings there.
“Since the Guard was deployed in D.C., crime has plummeted,” Chesney noted. “Homicides are down significantly and carjackings have dropped by nearly half. The message is clear. When leadership gets serious about crime and supports law enforcement, criminals think twice.”
The group criticized Illinois’ SAFE-T Act for eliminating cash bail and requiring most offenders to be released within hours of arrest. They argued this policy has negatively affected police morale and hindered public safety efforts.
“Law and order is the foundation of a free society,” Chesney emphasized. “Without safe streets, there is no prosperity, no opportunity, and no justice. That’s why I fully support President Trump’s initiative to deploy the National Guard to Chicago. If Democrat leaders won’t act to protect their citizens, then we will. That starts with bringing federal resources to Chicago and standing unapologetically with law enforcement.”
Chesney was elected as a Republican state senator representing Illinois’ 45th Senate District in 2023 after replacing Brian Stewart.
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