The Texas Department of Military Affairs (TMD) announced on Tuesday that seven National Guard members heading to Illinois were replaced. This decision came after the service members were found to not meet the necessary “mission requirements.”
The Pentagon had already confirmed that around 200 Texas National Guard troops were dispatched to Illinois on October 7 for a 60-day assignment. Their purpose? To provide safety for federal personnel and property amid ongoing anti-immigration protests.
According to a TMD spokesperson, during the pre-mission assessment, seven Guardsmen were identified for replacement for not meeting the standards. These individuals were sent back to their original bases, although specifics about their removal were not disclosed.
This announcement was made following a viral photo on social media where critics raised concerns regarding the troops’ fitness. A spokesperson reiterated the Texas National Guard’s commitment to high standards, reflecting sentiments expressed by the Secretary of War.
In September, the Secretary had urged military personnel, particularly those in combat roles, to prioritize physical fitness. However, officials have yet to confirm whether the service members shown in the viral images were among those removed from duty.
A federal judge recently ruled that while the National Guard can stay in Illinois, they cannot patrol or secure federal property. This ruling follows a request from the Trump administration aimed at lifting previous restrictions on their deployment. A temporary order will keep the troops present while further legal discussions take place.
