In a significant move, hundreds of National Guard troops from Texas have recently arrived at an army training center located outside of Chicago. This deployment is a direct response to US President Donald Trump's ongoing immigration crackdown, which he has framed as necessary to address violence in Democratic-controlled cities like Chicago.
President Trump has controversially labeled Chicago a war zone following a series of protests against federal immigration enforcement in the third-largest city in the United States. The deployment of National Guard troops has sparked significant controversy and opposition from local officials. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has voiced his concerns, characterizing the Trump administration's actions as an authoritarian march, vowing that the state will use "every lever at our disposal" to combat what he perceives as a power grab.
According to sources reporting to CBS News, some of the National Guard troops may commence their assignments as early as Wednesday. As part of their deployment, temporary living quarters have been established at the Army Reserve Training Center, situated approximately 50 miles (80 km) southwest of Chicago. In addition to these facilities, fencing was erected around the training compound late Tuesday to enhance security.
Local officials in Chicago have expressed frustration over the lack of information regarding the specific troop assignments. Trump maintains that the presence of National Guard troops is essential to curb violence, tackle crime, and bolster his deportation initiatives in the region. However, it's important to note that National Guard troops possess limited authority; they do not have the power to enforce laws, conduct arrests, or perform searches. Their primary role is to protect federal officers and property.
This deployment is not an isolated incident; Trump has previously sent National Guard members to cities such as Los Angeles and Washington, DC, with plans for future deployments in Memphis and Portland. However, a federal judge has temporarily barred the deployment of troops to Portland, while another judge has allowed the Chicago deployment to proceed for the time being.
Chicago has experienced a surge in protests surrounding immigration enforcement, particularly outside US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. Recently, tensions escalated when US Border Patrol personnel shot and injured a woman during a confrontation involving immigration enforcement vehicles. Local media reports indicate that the woman's lawyer has contested portions of the government's narrative regarding the incident.
Amidst these developments, a hearing is scheduled for Thursday concerning a lawsuit filed by Illinois and Chicago. This legal action seeks to prevent National Guard troops from Texas from being federalized or coming under presidential control. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the deployment, stating that it is illegal, unconstitutional, and poses a danger to public safety. In response to these events, Johnson has signed an executive order prohibiting ICE agents from operating on city-owned properties.
The deployments raise significant legal and constitutional questions, particularly given that National Guard troops are typically deployed by state governors. A century-old law restricts the federal government’s use of military forces for domestic matters. In light of potential legal challenges, Trump has indicated that he would contemplate invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807, which allows a president to deploy active-duty military personnel for law enforcement purposes within the United States. During a press briefing in the Oval Office, Trump suggested that if the governor fails to fulfill his responsibilities, the federal government will step in to "do the job."
