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Hundreds of National Guard troops began arriving in Chicago on Wednesday as part of the Trump administration’s plan to curb violent crime in the city, despite opposition from Illinois leaders.
According to U.S. Northern Command, the deployment includes about 200 troops from Texas and 300 from the Illinois National Guard. The soldiers will remain in the city for 60 days under Northern Command’s control.
“These forces will protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other U.S. Government personnel who are performing federal functions, including the enforcement of federal law, and to protect federal property,” Northern Command said in a statement.
The deployment follows ongoing legal and political battles between state officials and the White House. Illinois and Chicago have filed lawsuits to block the National Guard’s arrival, arguing that the federal government is overstepping its authority.
“The brave men and women who serve in our national guards must not be used as political props,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Sunday. “This is a moment where every American must speak up and help stop this madness.”
“The Trump administration must end the war on Chicago,” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson said during a news conference Monday. “The Trump administration must end this war against Americans. The Trump administration must end its attempt to dismantle our democracy.”
Despite concerns from Illinois leaders, Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott backed Guard members from his state serving in the effort.
“The elite Texas National Guard. Ever ready. Deploying now,” Abbott posted to X as Guard members departed.
President Trump also criticized Pritzker and Johnson on Truth Social on Wednesday. “Chicago Mayor should be in jail for failing to protect Ice Officers! Governor Pritzker also!”
The news comes as federal authorities arrested a suspected Chicago gang leader accused of offering $10,000 for the killing of a senior U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer involved in Operation Midway Blitz, officials announced Monday.
Juan Espinoza Martinez, 37, an alleged leader of the Latin Kings gang, was charged with one count of murder-for-hire, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Illinois. A court date has not yet been set.