Texas deployed around 200 National Guard troops to the Chicago area to protect federal ICE agents amid recent civil unrest. Governor Greg Abbott authorized the Texas National Guard Chicago deployment.
Abbott Cites Rule of Law for Deployment
Texas Governor Greg Abbott said his action stems from a strong working relationship with the president. “[President Trump and I] both believe in the rule of law. We both believe in public safety.
We both believed in securing the borders,” Abbott stated.
He described the deployment as a partnership with the federal government. “[I’m] more than happy to be a partner with the federal government, making sure that we keep our country as safe as possible,” he added.
Protecting Federal Agents Amid Civil Unrest
The Chicago area has seen several weeks of anti-ICE demonstrations, with some escalating into violent disruption. The Department of Homeland Security has described large crowds outside an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois as “violent rioters.“
Earlier this month, protesters rammed and trapped federal agents with 10 vehicles, leading to nearly a dozen arrests. DHS has stated its agents received little support from state or local law enforcement during the Chicago civil unrest.
Role of the Texas National Guard Chicago
Governor Abbott clarified that the troops are not there to police the city. Their specific mission is to provide Texas National Guard support ICE by ensuring federal officials can safely perform their duties.
Abbott described the troops as well-trained for this environment. “[What the National Guard is trained and skilled at doing is dealing with civil unrest like that,” he said, citing their experience on the Texas border.
Gov. Abbott authorized President Trump to deploy a total of 400 troops nationwide under Title 10 authority.
About half of that authorized number is now in Illinois.
Legal Challenge to Federal Action
The deployment faces a legal challenge as Pritzker sues Trump over National Guard presence. The lawsuit from Illinois’ governor to block the action is currently making its way through federal court.
