Tensions escalated this week over the Chicago troop deployment, with President Trump calling for the jailing of local leaders and Illinois officials filing a lawsuit to block the federal action.
Texas National Guard Arrives in Illinois
Approximately 200 members of the Texas National Guard arrived in Illinois on Tuesday for an initial 60-day period. The Pentagon stated their presence is “in support of the Federal Protection Mission to protect federal functions, personnel, and property.“
The move follows an incident where federal agents were rammed and boxed in by 10 cars near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem subsequently announced the deployment of additional special operations personnel to the state.
Trump Calls for Jailing of Pritzker and Johnson
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump commented on the situation via Truth Social. He stated that Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Gov.
J.B. Pritzker should be jailed for failing to defend federal officers.
“Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers! Governor Pritzker also!” Trump wrote.
His comments came as protests continued near the ICE facility in Broadview, where about a dozen people have been arrested.
Lawsuit Challenges Chicago Troop Deployment
Mayor Brandon Johnson described the federal action as an “illegal, unconstitutional, dangerous and wrong” deployment. This response led to a formal legal challenge against the Trump administration.
On Monday, Gov. Pritzker and Mayor Johnson filed a lawsuit seeking to block the deployment.
The Trump Pritzker Johnson lawsuit aims to prevent National Guard troops from being stationed in Chicago and surrounding cities.
