Tensions flare as Homeland Security pushes to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago despite strong opposition from local officials. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker revealed on Saturday that, even after his repeated refusals to authorize federal troop mobilization in Chicago, President Donald Trump is moving forward with plans to send 300 National Guardsmen to the city. This move has intensified the already heated conflict between local leadership and the federal government.
Pritzker took to social media to share that the Trump administration essentially issued an ultimatum: "Either you activate your troops, or we will do it ourselves." He warned, "In the next few hours, the Trump Administration plans to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard."
Confirming this development, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem spoke with conservative commentator Benny Johnson on Friday, stating, "I submitted a request to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The troops will be arriving within 24 hours. I requested their deployment to Chicago, and also to Portland, Oregon."
This request followed a tense incident on Saturday morning near the intersection of 39th Place and S. Kedzie Avenue in Chicago. Law enforcement officers patrolling the area reportedly shot an unidentified "armed U.S. citizen" who was allegedly under Homeland Security's watch, according to DHS's chief spokeswoman.
Tricia McLaughlin, DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, described the situation in a post on X (formerly Twitter). She explained that law enforcement vehicles were "rammed and trapped by about 10 cars," which escalated into a confrontation. "Agents were unable to move their vehicles and had to exit their cars. One of the drivers who rammed the law enforcement vehicle was armed with a semi-automatic weapon. Officers were forced to fire defensive shots at this armed individual, who then drove herself to the hospital for treatment," McLaughlin detailed.
In response, Noem announced she was sending additional special operations forces to Chicago. "Reinforcements are on their way to help control the situation. If you see a law enforcement officer today, be sure to thank them," she urged.
Over the past month, President Trump has repeatedly threatened to deploy the National Guard to various cities, especially those governed by Democrats, with the stated goal of reducing crime and strengthening immigration enforcement. Earlier, he sent National Guard troops to Washington, D.C., where they were stationed in transit hubs, parks, and other public spaces.
"This nation is built on laws. If you disagree with the laws, work to change them. But we are here to enforce them," Noem told Johnson. "This sends a clear message to the entire world."
However, Governor Pritzker has been vocal in his opposition to both Trump and the federal deployment threats. He criticized the move as a political stunt rather than a genuine effort to protect public safety. "These deployments pull hardworking Americans away from their jobs and families to participate in a manufactured spectacle—not a serious public safety initiative. For Donald Trump, this has never been about safety; it’s about control," Pritzker asserted.
Pritzker also condemned Noem and Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino, who visited Illinois on Friday to observe ICE raids, accusing them of "unprecedented escalations of aggression against Illinois residents."
One particularly controversial moment occurred during an alleged ICE operation in Chicago on Friday. Bystander videos reviewed by ABC News showed border patrol agents apparently deploying a chemical agent from a vehicle at civilians. Witness Andrew Denton recounted to ABC News that he had stopped to get groceries when he heard a disturbance. He saw a man on a scooter blocking a white truck, with people expressing frustration but no violence.
"Then I noticed the ICE agents in the truck. They rolled down the window and threw tear gas. My face burned, tears streamed down, and I was choking on the gas for about 10 minutes," Denton said. "There was no reason to use tear gas. No one was protesting—people were just upset about ICE’s presence."
DHS did not respond to ABC News requests for comment on this incident.
In a separate event during the same day’s ICE activity, Chicago Alderman Jessie Fuentes reported that she was handcuffed by an agent at Humboldt Park Health after questioning the agents and asking to see a warrant.
Despite the backlash, the administration has highlighted its ICE operations in Chicago. Noem posted a highly produced video on X featuring dramatic music and footage of agents making arrests, captioned, "Chicago, we’re here for you."
Governor Pritzker criticized Noem’s approach, pointing out that her frequent social media posts and ads showcasing her participation in ICE raids seemed more focused on publicity than justice. "None of this was about pursuing justice; it was all about creating social media content," he said.
But here’s where it gets controversial: Is the federal government’s intervention a necessary step to restore order, or is it an overreach that undermines local authority and inflames community tensions? What do you think? Should the National Guard be deployed in cities like Chicago to address crime and immigration enforcement, or is this a political power play disguised as public safety? Share your thoughts below—do you agree with Pritzker’s criticism, or do you side with the federal government’s actions? This debate is far from over.
