Hundreds of National Guard troops dispatched from Texas have arrived at a training center near Chicago, intending to bolster President Trump’s efforts to enforce immigration laws. This deployment follows President Trump’s strong criticism of Chicago, which he has described as a “war zone” amid ongoing protests against federal immigration officials.
The move has drawn significant opposition from state and local leaders. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has condemned the deployment as an “authoritarian march,” vowing to use all available means to prevent what he termed a “power grab.” Sources indicate that some troops may commence their duties as early as Wednesday. Temporary living quarters and fencing have been erected at the training facility southwest of the city, though details about the troops’ specific assignments remain scarce.
President Trump has stated that deploying National Guard members to Democrat-controlled cities is essential for curbing crime and aiding deportation efforts. These troops operate with limited powers, primarily tasked with protecting federal officers rather than enforcing laws directly.
This is not the first deployment of National Guard troops under this initiative; similar deployments have occurred in cities like Los Angeles and Washington, DC, with orders issued for Memphis and Portland. However, legal challenges have emerged, with a federal judge temporarily halting deployment in Portland and ongoing lawsuits questioning the legality and constitutionality of federalizing state troops, particularly those from different states.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has been a vocal critic, calling the deployment “illegal, unconstitutional, and dangerous.” He recently issued an executive order prohibiting ICE agents from operating on city property. The situation highlights the tension between federal authority and local control, especially concerning immigration enforcement and the use of military personnel for domestic matters, a practice governed by historical laws like the Insurrection Act of 1807.