President Trump Deploys 400 National Guard Troops to Illinois Amid Heightened Protests

President Trump is sending 400 Texas National Guard troops to Illinois, Oregon, and other states in response to ongoing clashes between anti-ICE protesters and federal agents, according to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.

In a post on X, Pritzker condemned the deployment, calling it an “invasion” and criticizing the lack of coordination with local officials. He urged Americans to oppose what he describes as federal overreach. Pritzker also called on Texas Governor Abbott to withdraw support and refuse to assist in this deployment.

Since September, Chicago has experienced significant protests outside an ICE detention center, part of a broader backlash following Operation Midway Blitz, aimed at targeting illegal immigrants under sanctuary policies. Demonstrators have intensified their actions, with some using vehicles to attack federal agents. Recently, DHS officials reported multiple incidents, including agents being targeted and wounded in Chicago’s South Side when they were ambushed while patrolling near a site that has seen civil unrest.

Border Patrol agents were about 15 miles from an ICE processing center when the attack occurred. Authorities have arrested more than a dozen protesters near the facility since Friday. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem described Chicago as a “war zone” amid the unrest, citing violent protests and confrontations that, at times, led to police intervention and the use of force.

Despite opposition from local authorities, federal enforcement actions have escalated, prompting widespread protests. DHS officials report aggressive tactics by demonstrators, including vehicle assaults on agents, leading to injuries and arrests. Noem also claimed that Chicago authorities have prevented federal law enforcement from using public restrooms, citing an incident where she was denied entry into a government building after requesting to use the facilities.