Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed on Sunday that 400 soldiers from the Texas State Guard have been deployed to Illinois and other areas, following federal orders from President Trump. This decision has been linked to serious interstate accidents. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the deployment, labeling it a “Trump invasion” and called for immediate withdrawal.
Gov. Abbott stated that the Texas Army National Guard would be sent to Illinois and various regions to support federal law enforcement. He made this announcement in a social media post, which drew backlash from Pritzker, who urged Abbott to reconsider.
Pritzker issued a statement condemning the deployment of Texas soldiers to Illinois, asserting, “This clearly constitutes Trump’s invasion. It began with federal agents who were deployed without our consent or knowledge.” He further pleaded with Abbott to withdraw support for this decision and to not comply with President Trump’s orders.
In response, Abbott wasted no time addressing Pritzker’s call to refrain from cooperating with the federal plans. In a social media post, Abbott explained, “I have fully authorized the President to deploy 400 members of the Texas State Guard to ensure the safety of federal officials.” He emphasized the importance of safeguarding federal employees.
“No security force has the training and skill level of the Texas National Guard. They will take pride in serving our country. It’s also crucial for America to be aware that Texas has many national guardsmen aiding in border security,” Abbott added.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, through Abbott’s office, communicated via a memorandum to coordinate the mobilization of these soldiers, emphasizing the increasing violence that has complicated compliance with U.S. laws, particularly in Illinois, Oregon, and other states.
Some Texas soldiers are also set to be dispatched to address safety issues in Portland, Oregon. Reports indicate that Texas State Guard members will protect state facilities after a federal judge prohibited President Trump from deploying the Oregon and California State Guards for that purpose.
The decision to deploy Texas State Guard soldiers to Illinois follows a recent confrontation involving anti-ICE protesters surrounding federal facilities in Broadview, Illinois, where federal agents were attempting to safeguard an ICE detention facility.
According to reports, ICE agents were encircled and trapped by ten vehicles during routine patrols in Broadview, near Chicago. Officials from the Trump administration have described the situation as a coordinated act of domestic terrorism.
One armed suspect was shot and killed after colliding with a police vehicle and confronting law enforcement with firearms. Authorities noted that the individual had previously been flagged for making threats against police on social media.
The surge in violent protests and attacks against federal immigration officials in Chicago coincides with the Trump administration intensifying regional deportation efforts. Under Operation Midway Blitz, Border Patrol units nationwide are collaborating with federal agencies in Chicago to target areas known for illegal activities involving foreign criminals.
As noted in reports, Border Patrol has ramped up marine operations along river areas in downtown Chicago, while federal officials continue to support immigration enforcement initiatives. The Department of Homeland Security initiated Operation Midway Blitz earlier in September to honor Katie Abraham, who was a victim of a hit-and-run caused by an undocumented immigrant.
