New York City Council, Faith Leaders Warn Against National Guard Deployment

New York City leaders say the National Guard should stay out of their streets, calling any federal move to send troops there unnecessary and dangerous.

The warning comes amid growing unease that federal authorities could deploy troops to major cities following recent unrest and political pressure from Washington. City officials say such a move would escalate tensions, not ease them, and risk undermining public confidence in local law enforcement.

Council Speaker Adrienne Adams led the call with support from several council members and faith leaders who said the city does not need soldiers; rather, they said it needs stability, compassion and community trust.

“We will not stand by while our city becomes a stage for political theater,” a senior council source told Military.com. The aide said no direct order or request has been made from Washington or the Pentagon, but concern has grown inside City Hall that New York may soon be targeted for federal deployment consideration.

City Council Stands Firm

The Council’s joint statement was backed by Adams and members Amanda Farias, Selvena Brooks-Powers, Sandra Ung, Carmen De La Rosa, Jennifer Gutiérrez, Shaun Abreu and Nantasha Williams.

They all urged the White House and Pentagon to respect state authority and local control. The statement called the idea of military involvement in city streets “a misuse of federal power” and a threat to civil liberties.

A source told Military.com that Adams initiated the statement and that coordinated discussions have occurred with both city and state officials.

“There are conversations happening,” the source said, “with different people, not just the mayor’s and governor’s offices.”

“The president cares about the safety and security of all Americans, but the White House will not get ahead of the president on any future announcements that may or may not be happening," a White House official told Military.com.

A Pentagon official told Military.com they don't speculate on future operations while adding "that the department continues to work and plan with our interagency partners to protect federal functions, personnel and property.”

Military.com reached out for comment to New York City Mayor Eric Adams' office, the New York Police Department, the New York State Division of Military and Naval Affairs, and the National Guard Bureau.

Voices from the Pulpit

Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lewis of Middle Collegiate Church told Military.com she fears a Guard presence would intimidate communities already anxious and suppress dissent.

“Jesus was a rabble rouser,” Lewis said. “He spoke in the public square about a better world. And that is what faith leaders are called to do.”

Lewis said congregants describe fear mixed with frustration. Families, especially immigrants, feel targeted.

“These are not new moves,” she said. “This is how you get to fascism. You change the story, ban the books, stop the conversation, suppress the news, and control the people.”

She said even the hint of deployment shakes public trust. “It shakes the fabric of trust,” Lewis said. “And I fear it is designed to evoke panic.”

Lewis, whose father served in the Air Force and whose brothers served in the Army, said she respects the military but rejects its use against civilians.

“We do not turn against our own citizens,” she said. “That is not what is supposed to happen. And that it is happening is causing both fear and bravery, neighbors standing up for neighbors.”

She urged political leaders to act with courage and restraint.

“Shame on you, commander-in-chief,” she said, referencing President Donald Trump’s recent comments. “Stand down. Stop manufacturing a crisis to bully your way into blue cities.”