Chicago – October 04, 2025
Nearly a month into President Donald Trump’s deportation campaign in the Chicago area, the White House confirmed on Saturday that it has authorized the deployment of National Guard troops to Illinois. This decision comes despite strong opposition from Governor JB Pritzker, who had previously called the idea “absolutely outrageous and un-American.”
In a statement released on Saturday afternoon, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson explained that the move was necessary to protect federal officers and assets due to ongoing riots and lawlessness. Jackson accused local leaders, like Pritzker, of failing to address the violence in American cities. “President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities,” Jackson stated.
Governor Pritzker’s office did not immediately respond to the White House statement. The statement did not specify where the National Guard units would come from, where they would be stationed in Illinois, or when they would arrive.
Earlier on Saturday, Governor Pritzker shared on social media that he had been given an ultimatum by the White House: “Call up your troops, or we will.” He called the federal government’s request to send 300 Illinois National Guard members “absolutely outrageous and un-American.”
This new development follows a request from the Department of Homeland Security to deploy 100 troops to Illinois to help protect ICE personnel and facilities.
