
10/08/2025
Trump News at a Glance: Texas National Guard Deploys to Chicago Area as Donald Trump Intensifies Pressure on the City
In a significant escalation of federal enforcement in Chicago, hundreds of Texas National Guard troops arrived in Illinois on October 7, 2025, to support federal immigration operations. This move follows a federal judge's decision not to block the deployment, despite opposition from Illinois officials.
Legal and Political Backdrop
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul had filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the deployment, arguing it infringed upon state sovereignty. However, the judge allowed the deployment to proceed, leading to the arrival of the troops at an Army Reserve center in Elwood, Illinois.
Governor J.B. Pritzker condemned the move as a "military invasion," asserting that the federal government had not coordinated with state authorities.
Federal Enforcement Operations
The deployment coincides with Operation Midway Blitz, a federal initiative targeting undocumented immigrants with criminal records in Chicago. The operation has sparked protests and legal challenges, with local leaders criticizing the federal presence as politically motivated and harmful to community trust.
Broader Implications
This development is part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to deploy federal forces in Democratic-led cities, including Portland and Washington, D.C., despite declining crime rates in these areas.
The use of National Guard troops without state consent raises questions about the balance of power between federal and state authorities and the potential impact on civil liberties.
As the situation unfolds, legal battles and public protests are expected to continue, reflecting deepening divisions over federal immigration policies and the role of military forces in domestic law enforcement.