US President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, July 22 to increase the number of federal agents in Chicago, after a resurgence of violence in the third largest city in the United States and despite opposition from the Democratic mayor of the metropolis.

"I am announcing a sharp increase in federal law enforcement in populations affected by violent crime," he said from the White House.

The US Department of Justice will "immediately increase the number of federal police officers in the city of Chicago," he added.

Present alongside the president, Bill Barr, the Minister of Justice, clarified that the operation would concern Chicago, Kansas City and Albuquerque. 

About 200 officers will be dispatched to Chicago, 30 to Albuquerque, New Mexico, and 200 are already in Kansas City, Missouri, he said.

"Restore order"

According to Bill Barr, they will work "hand in hand" with the police and should not be confused with the federal agents involved in the riot response.

The president had threatened Monday to send federal agents to New York and Chicago as in other Democratic strongholds, to protect federal buildings and, more generally, "to restore order". 

About 15 people were still injured Tuesday in a shooting at a funeral in Chicago, according to police.

Democratic camp opposes Trump

The Democratic mayors of Portland, Seattle, Chicago, Atlanta, Kansas City and the federal capital Washington have sent a letter to the US justice minister opposing the "unilateral deployment" of federal forces to their homes.

"Under no circumstances will I let Donald Trump's soldiers come to Chicago and terrorize our residents," tweeted city mayor Lori Lightfoot.

Under no circumstances will I allow Donald Trump's troops to come to Chicago and terrorize our residents.

- Mayor Lori Lightfoot (@chicagosmayor) July 21, 2020

On Wednesday, Donald Trump said he wanted to "make the police stronger, not weaker", and felt that more police officers should be hired, not their budgets reduced.

He was referring to calls to "cut off police funds" that emerged with the anti-racist protests following the death of George Floyd in late May.

With AFP

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