On October 5, 2025, the White House confirmed the activation of 300 Illinois National Guard troops to protect federal assets in Chicago. An additional 400 troops from Texas are scheduled to arrive later this week. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated the deployment is in response to “violent demonstrations and targeted attacks on ICE and federal officers.”
In Portland, the deployment of 200 Oregon National Guard troops was blocked by a federal judge. U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut issued a restraining order, citing lack of justification for military intervention. “The facts on the ground do not support the claim of rebellion,” she wrote.
Legal and Political Fallout
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson filed a lawsuit against the federal deployment. “It is absolutely outrageous and un-American to demand a Governor send military troops within our own borders and against our will,” Pritzker said.
Despite legal challenges, a federal judge declined to block the Chicago deployment immediately, urging federal officials to delay until the next hearing. DHS confirmed that Texas National Guard troops were en route to Chicago, but would not be operational until Tuesday.
DHS Justification and Federal Strategy
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem defended the deployments, stating: “We will not allow domestic terrorists to overrun our cities.” The agency cited a 1,000% increase in assaults on ICE officers since September.
The federal memo authorizing the deployments outlines missions to protect ICE, Border Patrol, and federal buildings in areas with high threat levels. DHS spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin confirmed that reinforcements were sent following a violent incident in Chicago, where a woman rammed vehicles into ICE agents. She was later hospitalized and taken into FBI custody.
What Comes Next
The legal battle continues. The next hearing in Chicago is scheduled for Thursday, where federal attorneys must justify the deployment. Meanwhile, troops remain in limbo, awaiting final orders. President Trump has hinted at invoking the Insurrection Act if courts continue to block his plans. “America is under invasion from within,” he said during a military briefing.
