Hundreds of US National Guard troops arrive in Chicago

October 8, 2025

The Trump administration has deployed hundreds of Texas National Guard troops to an army training center near Chicago to support federal immigration initiatives, despite opposition from local Illinois officials. Governor JB Pritzker condemned the action as an "authoritarian march" while Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson called it "illegal, unconstitutional, and dangerous. " Temporary living quarters have been established at the Army Reserve Training Center, with troops potentially beginning assignments as early as Wednesday.

Who is affected

Chicago residents and communities
Immigrants in Chicago
Protesters demonstrating against immigration enforcement
Federal immigration officers and facilities
Illinois state and Chicago city governments
National Guard troops from Texas

What action is being taken

Hundreds of National Guard troops from Texas are arriving at an army training center outside Chicago
Temporary living quarters and fencing are being established at the Army Reserve Training Center
Illinois and Chicago officials are pursuing legal action to stop the deployment
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has signed an executive order banning ICE agents from operating on city-owned properties
A hearing is scheduled for Thursday in the lawsuit filed by Illinois and Chicago

Why it matters

The deployment raises legal and constitutional questions about federal versus state authority
It represents an escalation in President Trump's immigration enforcement strategy
It creates tension between federal and local authorities over immigration policy
The deployment occurs amid ongoing protests against immigration enforcement in Chicago
National Guard deployment typically falls under governor authority, not presidential control
It potentially sets precedent for federal intervention in cities without local government consent

What's next

A hearing is scheduled for Thursday in the lawsuit filed by Illinois and Chicago against the deployment
Some troops could begin their assignments as early as Wednesday
President Trump has threatened to invoke the Insurrection Act if federal courts block his deployment of National Guard troops

Read full article from source: BBC