Federal authorities request assistance from a military installation in the area of Chicago for immigration procedures
In a recent turn of events, the Trump administration has announced plans to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, a move that has sparked controversy and opposition from local leaders.
The request for support from Naval Station Great Lakes, located outside Chicago, is part of former President Trump's broader approach to intervene in Democrat-run cities. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker has suggested that this could be an attempt by Trump to interfere with elections in 2026.
The proposal comes weeks after the Trump administration deployed National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and two months after it sent troops to Los Angeles. The Department of Homeland Security has requested limited support from Naval Station Great Lakes for DHS operations, but the department has not issued a statement regarding the request on Thursday.
Chicago, a city known for its high crime rates, reported 573 homicides in 2024, making it the most violent city in the U.S. that year. The city had a homicide rate of 21.7 per 100,000 residents, one of the highest among major U.S. cities. However, in the first half of 2025, violent crime dropped significantly, representing the steepest decline in over a decade.
Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker have pushed back against a possible mobilization and are planning to sue. They argue that if the federal government mobilizes the Guard without the governor's blessing, the armories aren't available for use. In Illinois, there are roughly 10,000 members of the Illinois Army National Guard and 3,000 Air National Guard.
Former President Trump has often singled out Chicago and criticized its status as a sanctuary city. He has accused Chicago's Democratic leaders, including Pritzker, of being incapable of stopping crime in the city. Former President Barack Obama and former President Joe Biden's transportation secretary, Pete Buttigieg, have expressed concern about the potential deployment, stating that it puts the liberties of all Americans at risk and raises concerns about the potential use of Naval Station Great Lakes for surveillance and enforcement activity on American soil.
City leaders in Chicago are preparing for multiple possible scenarios, including troops assisting in immigration arrests and patrolling in the streets. Police Superintendent Larry Snelling stated that they don't want to raise fears or create speculation around what's going on. Workers are circulating know-your-rights cards in neighborhoods with heavy immigrant populations to inform residents of their rights during any potential encounters with law enforcement.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how this proposed deployment will impact Chicago and the broader political landscape. Pritzker and Trump have been trading barbs over the issue for days, with the former accusing the latter of politicising law enforcement and the latter accusing the Democrats of being soft on crime. City leaders in Chicago are calling for transparency and clarity from the White House regarding its plans.
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