Trump authorities petitioning for assistance from a military facility near Chicago in managing immigration-related activities

In a move that has sparked controversy and concern, the Trump administration has asked Naval Station Great Lakes, located outside of Chicago, for support in immigration operations. This request has been met with pushback from city leaders in Chicago, who are preparing for multiple possible scenarios, including troops assisting in immigration arrests and patrolling in the streets.

The White House hasn't contacted city leaders about its plans regarding Chicago, leaving local officials in the dark about the extent and nature of the proposed operation. This lack of communication has fueled speculation and concern among residents and city leaders alike.

The request for support comes amidst a nationwide crackdown on immigration, as seen in the administration's recent deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles. The Trump administration has been criticizing Democrat-led cities, including Chicago, and has likened Chicago to a war zone and "hellhole" due to its status as a sanctuary city.

Governor JB Pritzker, who has announced his potential candidacy for the 2026 presidential election, has expressed his concern over the proposed operation. He has been engaged in a public spat with President Trump over the issue for days, with Trump stating that he wants to have troops on the ground to stop people from voting and intimidate them from going to the voting booth.

If the federal government mobilizes the Guard without the governor's blessing, the armories in Chicago and its suburbs cannot be used. This could potentially complicate the administration's plans, as the presence of troops may require suitable facilities for housing and operations.

The Department of Homeland Security has asked for "limited support" in the form of facilities, infrastructure, and logistical needs to support DHS operations. It is unclear how this support would be utilised, but concerns have been raised about the potential use of Naval Station Great Lakes for surveillance and enforcement activity on American soil.

Former President Barack Obama has expressed his concern about the rumored deployment, stating that it puts the liberties of all Americans at risk. He has not commented specifically on the request for support from Naval Station Great Lakes, but his statement underscores the broader concern about the administration's immigration policies.

Workers are circulating "know-your-rights" cards in neighborhoods with heavy immigrant populations, aiming to educate residents about their rights and provide them with resources in case of immigration enforcement. This grassroots effort reflects the anxiety and uncertainty that the proposed operation has created among Chicago's immigrant communities.

As the situation continues to unfold, city leaders are planning to sue in an effort to block the proposed operation. The Chicago mayor and governor have stated that they will not stand for the federal government's interference in local affairs and the potential violation of civil liberties.

The Associated Press wrote this story, and it has been updated to correct an error regarding Pete Buttigieg's former position. Pete Buttigieg, a former U.S. Naval Reserve intelligence officer and former transportation secretary under President Biden, has also expressed his concern about the potential use of Naval Station Great Lakes for immigration enforcement.

In Illinois, there are approximately 10,000 members of the Illinois Army National Guard and 3,000 Air National Guard. The exact number of troops that would be mobilized for the operation remains unclear.

Chicago reported 573 homicides in 2024, the most of any U.S. city that year, despite a significant drop in violent crime in the first half of 2025. The city's status as a sanctuary city and the ongoing violence have been used by the Trump administration as justification for the proposed operation, but critics argue that it is a politically motivated move aimed at stoking fear and division.

As the situation continues to evolve, residents and city leaders in Chicago are bracing for potential changes and are prepared to take legal action to protect their city and its residents. The proposed operation has sparked a national conversation about civil liberties, immigration policy, and the role of the federal government in local affairs.