Texas National Guard Deploys to Chicago Area Amid Immigration Protests

ELWOOD, Ill. – Troops from the Texas National Guard are now in the Chicago region, assigned to protect federal immigration officers from escalating violence during protests targeting ICE. This move comes despite attempts by state and local leaders to prevent their deployment.

Approximately 100 soldiers from Texas were seen Tuesday morning near the U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, with reports of another 100 set to arrive later the same day.

By Tuesday afternoon, a reporter from the Post observed a group of uniformed soldiers carrying rifles stationed outside the facility. Around 20 temporary housing units were also in position at this outpost, located about 55 miles south of Chicago.

There was a noticeable buzz of activity as workers moved in and out of several plain white trailers equipped with HVAC systems. Large trucks, presumably from emergency services, were parked nearby, likely delivering supplies and personnel.

Dale Ebert, a 78-year-old local resident, watched the unfolding scene with curiosity. “This is new. It just appeared out of nowhere,” he remarked.

His concern was palpable. “Why are they taking over this country? We’re not at war,” he said, sounding quite puzzled. “All they do is scare the hell out of everyone.”

As part of this deployment, Texas National Guard troops are set to move into various locations in Chicago starting as early as Wednesday, according to U.S. military officials involved.

Governor Greg Abbott of Texas announced on social media that he has authorized up to 400 National Guard troops to ensure the safety of federal employees.

Abbott shared a photo on social media late Monday showing troops on a plane, mentioning their readiness for deployment, although the exact destination was unclear.

The arrival of the troops has been met with resistance from progressive leaders, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker.

In response, the city and state of Illinois filed a lawsuit claiming the mobilization is “patently illegal” and infringes on state sovereignty. However, District Judge April Perry declined to issue a temporary restraining order against the troop deployment, allowing the Trump administration until Wednesday midnight to respond to the lawsuit.

Mayor Johnson has since issued an executive order prohibiting immigration agents from operating in designated areas he’s labeled as “ICE-free zones.”

Governor Pritzker criticized Trump for allegedly using National Guard troops as “pawns” in a political game, urging Abbott to withdraw support for the mobilization.

Protests around Chicago have been intensifying lately. Just last weekend, protesters reportedly used vehicles to confront ICE officers, leading to alarming incidents as the Department of Homeland Security noted officials were targeted on two occasions.

Additionally, U.S. Border Patrol agents patrolling the South Side of Chicago faced a violent outbreak where a fire was set, injuring a woman who was later found to be armed after a crowd attempted to assault a federal officer. This incident occurred roughly 15 miles from an ICE processing center in Broadview, a location known for civil unrest.