Gov. Greg Abbott has authorized the deployment of approximately 200 Texas National Guard members to Illinois, where they will remain for at least 60 days to support federal agents in addressing illegal immigration and crime. The Pentagon confirmed the troops arrived Tuesday to protect federal personnel and property amid escalating tensions following clashes between anti-ICE protesters and agents.
A Pentagon official stated the guardsmen were mobilized for an initial 60-day period, with their mission focused on “protecting federal functions, personnel, and property.” Recent protests near an ICE facility in Broadview led to around a dozen arrests, according to reports. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker opposed the deployment, urging Abbott to withdraw the Texas National Guard forces, but Abbott rejected the request, stating he had authorized the mobilization of 400 guardsmen to “ensure safety for federal officials.”
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the move as “illegal,” “unconstitutional,” and “dangerous,” emphasizing his commitment to protecting civil rights. He noted that the National Guard’s deployment process involves specific protocols before troops are deployed in urban areas. Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit Monday to block the federalization of the National Guard.
The Texas National Guard members are currently stationed at an Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, Illinois, approximately 55 miles from Chicago.
