Milwaukee community leaders discuss National Guard concerns, White House won't say if Milwaukee has been discussed

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- On Wednesday, Sept. 3, Milwaukee community leaders spoke up about concerns the National Guard could one day be deployed to the city.

Recently, President Trump has focused on cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York.

He has not talked about Milwaukee, but the police union president broached the idea Tuesday, Sept. 2, which sparked lots of reaction.

It's a hot button issue across the country, and an example of how the mere mention of a politically charged topic can set off a chain reaction.

Milwaukee Alderperson JoCasta Zamarripa said Wednesday, "It's just a political move."

After a Wednesday news conference, community leaders spoke about the impact a potential National Guard deployment could have in Milwaukee.

JoAnna Bautch is the executive director of VIA CDC. She told us, "There's absolutely an enhanced fear when it comes to thinking there might be National Guard folks walking our neighborhoods. 06 Walking our blocks."

Despite no solid plans whatsoever, the mere thought of federal troops on the ground has elevated concern in some minority neighborhoods.

Bautch said, "There's even more fear than there was when we first saw President Trump take office."

The situation escalated this week when Alexander Ayala -the president of the police union- said he'd welcome the National Guard in Milwaukee.

He added he was thinking about reaching out to the Trump administration to discuss it, even though he does not have the authority to request the guard.

It was met with swift criticism from top city officials, most of them democrats.

Zamarripa said when the President talks about sending in the National Guard, "I think it's meant to instill fear in under-represented communities and immigrant communities, in particular."

We asked the White House directly if Milwaukee has been included in any discussions about the need for federal troops in US cities. They only told us there are no announcements to be made.

Complicating matters is the uncertainty of what's happening in Chicago, seen as a possible portent for Milwaukee.

President Trump wants to send federal troops to Chicago despite staunch opposition from the Illinois governor and most Chicago leaders.

When asked about Chicago at the White House Tuesday, the President said, "Well, we're going in. I didn't say when. We're going in."

On Wednesday, Vice President JD Vance said of Chicago, "There are no immediate plans."

But the back and forth has already sparked demonstrations and concerns there.

In Milwaukee, some groups are concerned about building stronger neighborhoods. Bautch said, "Presenting the National Guard in these neighborhoods hinders that mission, hinders people's ability to thrive."

As city leaders continue to monitor the situation, Zamarripa said, "We implore them to know your local leaders stand with you and every day we're fighting."

Only the governor can request National Guard troops, outside of an insurrection.

On Tuesday, a federal judge ruled the President violated military law when he deployed thousands of National Guard troops, and some Marines, to California.