Hundreds of National Guard troops from Texas have arrived at an army training centre outside Chicago to support US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.
Trump has branded Chicago a war zone, following recent protests against federal immigration officials in the third-largest US city.
The deployment comes amid strong opposition from local officials. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has accused the Trump administration of an authoritarian march and stated the state would utilize every lever at our disposal to stop this power grab.
Reports indicate that some troops could begin their assignments as early as Wednesday.
According to CBS News, trailers have been established as temporary living quarters on the Army Reserve Training Center approximately 50 miles (80km) southwest of Chicago. Additional security measures, including fencing around the training facility, were implemented late on Tuesday.
Local officials have reported receiving minimal information regarding troop assignments.
Trump has defended the deployment, arguing it is necessary to quell violence in Democratic-controlled cities, support his deportation initiatives, and reduce crime.
Despite the dispatch, National Guard troops have limited power; they are not tasked with law enforcement duties, such as making arrests or conducting searches. Their role focuses on safeguarding federal officers and properties.
Other locations where Trump has previously sent National Guard troops include Los Angeles and Washington, DC, with Memphis and Portland also on the list. Notably, a federal judge has temporarily barred troops from being deployed to Portland, while allowing the Chicago dispatch to proceed.
The influx of protests against immigration enforcement in Chicago has intensified recently, particularly near U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.
Incidents have escalated, including one last weekend where U.S. Border Patrol personnel shot and injured a woman amidst a chaotic protest scene; her legal representation disputes aspects of the official narrative.
Pending legal challenges have arisen against the deployment, with a hearing set for Thursday regarding a lawsuit filed by Illinois and Chicago, aimed at halting the federalization of troops from other states.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson articulated significant concerns about legally deploying National Guard troops from Texas to Illinois, labeling the action as illegal and unconstitutional.
Amid escalating tensions, Trump has suggested he might invoke the Insurrection Act to facilitate military involvement in U.S. law enforcement if courts impede troop movements, asserting that federal oversight is necessary in regions struggling with law enforcement.
