By Robin S. Engel, Nicholas Corsaro, Gabrielle T. Isaza, and Hannah D. McManus
President Trump recently renewed his calls for federal intervention in Chicago to address crime and violence. This brief examines trends for 13 different crime types in Chicago going back to 2018.
New CCJ analysis finds 9 of 13 offenses declined in the first half of 2026, including an 18% drop in homicide; shoplifting the only offense remaining above 2019 levels
Examining changes in 13 offenses across a sample of 36 large U.S. cities, CCJ’s mid-year analysis shows crime has continued to fall in the first half of 2026, with homicide likely dropping to another historic low.
