Texas National Guard Troops Deployed to Chicago Amid Controversy

National Guard troops from Texas are deploying to Chicago following a ruling from a US federal judge who declined to block their movement. The troops left the Fort Bliss military installation in El Paso on the evening of March 13, 2025, on a US military transport plane. This decision comes in response to a lawsuit filed by the state of Illinois against the Trump administration regarding the deployment of troops amid rising tensions over crime and public safety.

US District Judge April Perry permitted the federal government to proceed with the troop deployment while she considers the state’s legal challenge. She has set a deadline for the government to respond by midnight on March 15, 2025. This ruling contrasts with a separate case in Oregon, where a judge blocked a similar deployment of troops to Portland.

FBI Director Kash Patel announced his plans to travel to Chicago as well, stating on social media, “Chicago will be saved, and this FBI will continue to crush violent crime there, and all around the country.” His remarks reflect the administration’s intent to address concerns over crime in major cities, particularly those led by Democratic officials.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has vocally opposed the troop deployment, criticizing it as an “invasion.” In a statement, he emphasized the lack of prior discussion with the Trump administration regarding plans to federalize the Illinois National Guard or to send in troops from other states. Governor Pritzker stated, “We must now start calling this what it is: Trump’s invasion.”

As part of the deployment strategy, President Trump has indicated plans to federalize approximately 300 Illinois National Guard members, alongside 400 troops from Texas. This decision has drawn sharp criticism from Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, who filed a lawsuit seeking to prevent the president from calling up state troops. Raoul’s lawsuit argues that the actions infringe upon the state’s sovereignty and could lead to unrest among residents.

In his legal filing, Raoul stated, “The American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military.” He warned that the deployment could exacerbate tensions and harm community relations, ultimately affecting business activities and tourism in Illinois.

In response to the troop deployment, Democratic senators expressed concern during a hearing with Attorney General Pam Bondi, questioning the rationale behind sending troops to Illinois. Senator Dick Durbin challenged Bondi to explain the decision. Bondi responded, “If you’re not going to protect your citizens, President Trump will.”

The political landscape surrounding this deployment remains contentious, with differing opinions on the administration’s approach to crime in cities like Chicago. Critics argue that the use of military force undermines local governance and exacerbates social tensions. Governor Pritzker has stressed the need for local control over law enforcement and public safety measures, suggesting that federal intervention could worsen the situation.

In a related development, Chicago’s Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order prohibiting federal immigration agents from utilizing city-owned property for their operations. This order aims to protect residents’ constitutional rights amid concerns over federal overreach in local matters. Johnson stated, “We will not tolerate ICE agents violating our residents’ constitutional rights.”

As the situation evolves, the implications of deploying troops from Texas to Illinois will likely continue to spark debate over federal power, state sovereignty, and the best approaches to addressing urban crime. The upcoming deadlines for legal responses could further shape the trajectory of this contentious issue.