The Texas National Guard Chicago deployment has begun as approximately 200 troops arrived at the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, Illinois, roughly 55 miles southwest of Chicago. This movement comes amid heightened tensions and protests expected in the city, with the federal government insisting on the necessity of National Guard presence despite resistance from Illinois officials.
Deployment and Local Opposition
The arrival of Texas National Guard troops follows orders from the federal administration to bolster security in Chicago, citing recent violent incidents involving federal agents. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has strongly opposed the deployment, calling it “Trump’s invasion” and stating that armed troops are unnecessary in the city. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have criticized the administration for insufficient communication and coordination with local authorities.
Governor Pritzker has also filed a lawsuit against the federal government over the deployment. He argues that the troops are being used as political pawns and that the federal government is escalating tensions by deploying forces without local consent.
Context and Federal Response
The federal government activated hundreds of National Guard members from Texas and federalized 300 Illinois National Guard troops to assist in protecting federal property and personnel. This action follows recent confrontations where individuals rammed vehicles into Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents’ vehicles and interfered with federal law enforcement activities.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller labeled these incidents as “domestic terrorism,” emphasizing the administration’s stance on protecting federal officers. The deployment aims to prevent further violence and safeguard federal operations in Chicago.
Despite the legal challenges and local pushback, the Texas National Guard’s presence in Illinois represents a significant escalation in federal intervention amid ongoing unrest and protests in the Chicago area.