'If You're Not Going to Protect Your Citizens, Trump Will' : Pam Bondi and John Cornyn Defend National Guard Deployment

U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi (R) and Senator John Cornyn (R) have defended President Donald Trump's (R) decision to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago during a recent Judiciary Committee hearing.

The hearing began with an exchange between AG Bondi and Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), who demanded an explanation for the deployment of Texas National Guard troops to his state.

"The American people don't know the rationale behind the deployment of National Guard Troops in my State," said Durbin. "The word is, and I think it's been confirmed by the White House, they are going to transfer Texas National Guard units to the state of Illinois. What's the rationale for that?"

Bondi shot back, accusing Durbin of hypocrisy and political obstruction.

"As you shut down the government, you voted to shut down the government...our law enforcement officers aren't being paid," said Bondi. "They're out there working to protect you. I wish you loved Chicago as much as you hate President Trump. And currently, the National Guard is on the way to Chicago. If you're not going to protect your citizens, President Trump will."

Senator Cornyn and Bondi also shared an exchange during the hearing, as Cornyn questioned Bondi on the legal grounds for local leaders to resist federal enforcement.

"On what legal basis would a governor or mayor say, 'We're going to deny or prevent a federal law enforcement agent from enforcing federal law?' What would be the legal basis for them to do that?" asked Cornyn.

Bondi responded, "Senator, there is not one. And as I stated, there were 571 homicides in Chicago last year, and that's why right now Director Patel and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche are on their way to Chicago."

She continued by stating that if she were to be a "narco-terrorist", she would go to Chicago because "they're not enforcing the law."

"We're going to be there, protecting all Americans in this country," stated Bondi.

Cornyn took a moment to contrast the situation with federal cooperation seen elsewhere.

"Seeing what the response has been by local officials here in Washington, D.C., seeing how the public here...are welcoming to this federal law enforcement presence, it strikes me as a stark contrast to what we've seen in places in Chicago," he noted. "I just don't understand how elected officials who are sworn to uphold the law and Constitution of the United States could take the position that, 'No, we don't want a safer community in our major cities that have a high level of crime like Chicago.'"

Bondi shared agreement with Cornyn, praising collaboration with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.

"Senator Cornyn, I don't understand it either because we've been working hand in hand right here in DC with Mayor Bowser," said Bondi. "I've truly never seen a partnership like that in my career, and it's working together, and that's what Illinois is referring to."

She concluded by calling out Senator Durbin once more in regards to his approval of Illinois Governor Pritzker's lack of partnership.

"I wish Senator Durbin would condemn the Governor of Illinois and have him work with us like we're doing now in Memphis."

Texas Governor Abbott (R) has also echoed similar sentiments in a statement, saying Texas would fully support the federal mission.

"Now we have local states refusing to enforce the law, and we have chaos," said Abbott. "The president has the constitutional responsibility to enforce the laws of the United States, and those laws include immigration laws. What Texas is doing is assisting the President in that cause."

The Lawmakers frame the issue as a constitutional duty to restore safety, while Illinois leaders continue to be skeptical of federal intervention. As the first Texas troops arrive in Chicago, the political and legal tensions over how the city should be protected remain up for debate.