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* The Tribune…
The Texas National Guard has arrived in the Chicago area despite the repeated objections of Illinois officials, who have rejected President Donald Trump’s pledge to deploy the military domestically in response to increasingly heated immigration crackdown protests here and in other Democratic-run cities across the country.
Tribune journalists saw several military members, dressed in camouflage and carrying long guns, on federal property in Elwood, a far southwest suburb that is home to a U.S. Army Reserve training center. Soldiers, who had “T” patches on their arms identical to the ones shown in a picture tweeted by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott on Monday, could be seen walking in and out of mobile sleeping units on the site.
On Monday, a defense contractor told the Tribune that he was setting up sleepers, showers and a dining hall for 250 people at the makeshift base. The contractor, who was working at the site but declined to give his name, said he was unsure how long the troops intended to stay.
From Isabel: The Tribune’s story was updated. The Texas Guard is stationed at a federal property in Elwood at a U.S. Army Reserve training center.
It’s quiet outside a detention center in Broadview, Ill., where protesters have gathered in recent weeks. Light rain has been falling near the facility this morning, and mainly members of the media are gathered here at the moment. There are no signs of National Guard members.
* Yesterday from the Sun-Times…
National Guard troops could hit Chicago’s streets as soon as Tuesday after a federal judge refused a plea from Illinois’ attorneys to immediately block a deployment they labeled “illegal, dangerous and unconstitutional” in a highly anticipated lawsuit Monday.
U.S. District Judge April Perry acknowledged she was “very troubled by the lack of answers” Monday from a Trump administration lawyer about the deployment, including where in northern Illinois the troops might appear.
But she also said more than 500 pages of filings had suddenly arrived in the form of a lawsuit from Illinois and Chicago against the Trump administration, so she gave the Justice Department until midnight Wednesday to respond.
“If I were the federal government, I’d strongly urge holding off until Thursday,” [Judge Perry] said of the plan to activate troops. But she added, it’s “up to them.”
During the hearing, the DOJ confirmed that members of the Texas National Guard were scheduled to board a plane for Chicago at 4 p.m. But, attorney Jean Lin said, those out-of-state guardsmen would not be “in position to perform their federal protective mission” until Tuesday at the earliest. Members of the Illinois National Guard would similarly not be mobilized until later this week, pending pre-mission trainings, Lin said. […]
Christopher Wells of the Illinois attorney general’s office pleaded with Perry to grant “some form of interim relief” before Thursday’s hearing. He pointed to the “level of disregard the administration has shown” to a federal judge in Oregon who over the weekend ruled Trump’s deployment of the National Guard to Portland exceeded his authority. Despite two rulings from the Trump-appointed judge, the feds have mobilized guardsmen anyway from California and Texas to the west coast city.
“This is all part of a concerted effort to target disfavored jurisdictions that the president doesn’t like,” Wells said, urging a temporary restraining order before the federal government “hostilely deploys troops from another state to a sister and equally sovereign state.’’ […]
Before adjourning, the judge told Wells she’s hopeful the state won’t see any of the “nonsense you’re worried about” between now and Thursday. But she said filing evidence of any altercations between National Guard troops and civilians would likely strengthen the state and city’s case.
* Related…
* CBS Chicago | Former Illinois National Guard commander says he’s “never seen” troops called up from out of state before: Richard Hayes is a former U.S. Army Major and former Commander of the Illinois National Guard. He said in all his years of service, he’s never seen anything like this. “I’ve never seen that done before, to federalize a National Guard from another state to send them to another state,” he said. “In my 34 years, I’ve never seen that.”
* NYT | Texas Troops Head to Chicago as Trump Weighs Use of Emergency Powers: The president said he would consider using the Insurrection Act to bypass attempts to block National Guard deployments in Chicago and Portland, Ore. The governor of Illinois, JB Pritzker, called the mobilization “an unconstitutional invasion.”
* Block Club Chicago | Federal Judge Won’t Immediately Block Troop Deployment After Illinois, Chicago File Lawsuit: In a memo to Illinois National Guard leadership Saturday, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the troops could be called into service “effective immediately” and be used in the area for 60 days, according to the Tribune. The troops’ objective would be to guard ICE facilities in Illinois, the Tribune reported.
* Tribune | The National Guard has been activated to Chicago 18 times from 1877-2021. Here’s a breakdown: A review of the Tribune’s archives produced 18 events in which the governor activated the National Guard within Chicago. Two of them — both during the 19th century — involved a sitting U.S. president who acted in coordination with the governor. “The Pullman Strike (1894) and Railroad Strike (1877) were both considered state active duty,” said Adriana Schroeder, command historian for the Illinois National Guard. “Both of those involved the union, spread throughout the United States, and drew the attention of the president who was in close communications with the governors of the affected states.” On occasion, state and city officials have disagreed if a National Guard response was warranted.
posted by Isabel Miller
Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:13 am
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How is this anything other than Texas invading Illinois?
Comment by Irreverent Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:18 am
Welcome. Enjoy your stay.
Comment by AlrightAlrightAlright Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:18 am
The judge says she’d “strongly urge” the administration to restrain itself (lol) but “it’s up to them”? What?
No; whether or not it’s “up to them” is the essence of the question at hand. Surely that would call for interim relief–like that afforded by an actual Trump-appointed judge (banned emphatic punctuation) on the West Coast, while the court decides? Frustrating.
Comment by Crispy Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:22 am
So the next time one of my 2A friends starts spewing their “need to protect themselves from government ternary” do I get to remind them exactly who the tyrants are?
Comment by We’ll See Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:31 am
Judge Perry is new. A more experienced hand might well have handled this differently.
Comment by Keyrock Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:32 am
Why is the Tribune pretending they need to protect the location of the Texas National Guard by saying they are in the far SW side. Why do they need cover? Is it Darien? Joliet? What’s the big secret? They are getting pasted in their reporting compared to indies, The Triibe, even the Sub-Times.
Comment by P. Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:37 am
== far southwest suburbs ==
Interesting that the Tribune does not identify the suburb or even explain why they’ve chosen not to identify the suburb.
Comment by Telly Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:38 am
This is just baffling that we have arrived here in our country. To call it Orwellian is an understatement. Need a reason to justify something? We will concoct it out of thin air and some will cheer it because we are “sticking it” to other Americans.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:40 am
Sun Times quote from Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling: “One thing about law enforcement, I’ll tell you this right now, you’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t.”
Comment by Michelle Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:41 am
The legal process takes time, and Trump is a master of creating legal cases in order to buy time. He is also a master of appealing decisions against him.
The recommendation by Judge Perry that the DOJ have papers in court by Wednesday midnight seems reasonable from a legal perspective. The fact that she suggested the “holding off until Thursday” before deploying troops, suggests an uphill legal battle for the Federal Administration. But legal battles are to held in courts, and at the most, this judge could rule as early as Thursday.
What would truly make this interesting would be for the Judge to rule in no uncertain terms that the Federal Administration is blatantly in violation of the Constitution, so as to force an immediate federal appeal. She could also demand troops from Texas leave immediately, so as to more quickly force this issue before the U.S. Supreme Court.
But legal processes being what they are, I am comforted that the Pritzker Administration is immediately challenging the Constitutional issue. On this issue, time will tell how far removed from reality the Supreme Justices have departed.
This does seem to be an open and shut case to this old man.
Comment by H-W Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:44 am
As a resident of Forgotonia, I want to dissociate myself from other residents of Forgotonia who are cheering this National Guard thing way too much.
A bunch of them think Chicago and the suburbs “deserve it”.
I don’t.
Comment by btowntruth from forgottonia Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 10:58 am
= Interesting that the Tribune does not identify the suburb or even explain why they’ve chosen not to identify the suburb.=
It’s called discretion, the Trib writers , and all of us know for certain that the location of the Texas National Guard will get out. A little discretion by the author doesn’t get in the way of the fact that they’re here, but it might help keep things calm until Thursday’s ruling.
Comment by Think again Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:00 am
The judges statement she said filing evidence of any altercations between National Guard troops and civilians would likely strengthen the state and city’s case.
Almost invites a confrontation. I am sure that is not what she intended but perhaps that is why the media did not identify the site
Comment by DuPage Saint Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:06 am
Ah, yes. Discretion. Naturally. That’s what sending Texas troops to Illinois is all about.
Comment by Stephanie Kollmann Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:09 am
I believe the suburb is Elwood so way far SW suburb.
But serious question: Shouldn’t Illinois AG file another emergency lawsuit immediately before these troops hit our actual streets? They’re doing their best to ignore the judge’s recommendation. Everyone knew the Trump admin wouldn’t listen.
Also, Mayor Johnson said there’s 3,000 runners from Mexico who signed up to run the Chicago Marathon this weekend. Who know darn well Trump Admin and ICE are going to make a show of it this weekend and harass the runners.
Comment by Hot Taeks Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:13 am
===file another emergency lawsuit immediately===
Maybe amend it, but a new suit?
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:16 am
“nonsense you’re worried about” makes it look like Illinois is hysterical.
==The president said he would consider using the Insurrection Act to bypass attempts to block National Guard deployments==
Of course he would. Protests are not riots, are not insurrection. Maybe he would think better of the protests if there were more Confederate flags at the ones in Chicago, like Jan6.
Since the GOP has posted pictures claiming to be Portland when they were actually South America, what other place will be the pictures for Chicago?
Comment by BE Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:23 am
I think it’s because the story of where they’re stationed at is less important than the fact that they’re officially here and will be marching in Chicago streets very soon.
Comment by NIU Grad Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:27 am
@ btowntruth from forgottonia
I am surprised how many of our fellow citizens of West Central Illinois have never been to Chicago or St. Louis. Chicago is an abstraction for too many of the opinion that they know the City and its suburbs. Sad.
Comment by H-W Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:31 am
I believe in the CBS Chicago story line above, Richard Hayes’ rank should be Major General, as that is the rank usually held by the Commander of the State National Guard.
Comment by Behind the Scenes Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:32 am
So by Lincoln National Cemetery? Lincoln would be rolling in his grave to see Texas invading Illinois.
Comment by Banish Misfortune Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:33 am
== It’s called discretion ==
That could be it. But usually the publication clarifies that with a boilerplate sentence, something like “the Tribune is not disclosing the exact location for security purposes…”
Now, some would argue that would be a bogus reason not to publish the exact location given that the National Guard is well armed. I just found it interesting that the Trib not only didn’t identify the town but didn’t explain why they didn’t.
Comment by Telly Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:37 am
Yes, I know the governor & mayor really want to normalize dozens of people being shot in Chicago every week, but those of us who are not obsessed with hate of Orange Man know it is not acceptable. We know law abiding citizens deserve better.
Comment by here we go again Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:39 am
=== It’s called discretion ===
More like the are scared of Illinois folks.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 11:51 am
If their presence decreases the crime rate I welcome them with open arms.
Comment by Moon Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:00 pm
==== It’s called discretion ====
Or…maybe, post Sec Def Hegseth’s address to the assembled command they need some tie for grooming and conditioning? We don’t want anyone that isn’t smooth and buff anymore, and certainly no girls. It could also be a bit of time to get some of our more well known north side establishments time to accommodate and influx of business from the new “hegseth military”./s
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:03 pm
The exemption in 720 ILCS 5/24-2(3) for the offense of aggravated Unlawful Use of a Weapon specifically states, “Members… of the Illinois National Guard.” How are the members of the Texas National Guard not committing a Class 4 felony?
Comment by Concerned Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:04 pm
=If their presence decreases the crime rate I welcome them with open arms.=
Then invite them to your house.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:12 pm
I texted my don that the civil war will start in Chicago.
I hope I was kidding.
Comment by Loop Lady Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:13 pm
=If their presence decreases the crime rate I welcome them with open arms.=
“If you are willing to sacrifice liberty for safety, you deserve neither” Ben Franklin
Comment by Retired School Board Member Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:18 pm
=Yes, I know the governor & mayor really want to normalize dozens of people being shot in Chicago every week=
And exactly when did they say that? And you may want to update your talking points as the National Guard is here to further ICE’s objectives not prevent street crime.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:20 pm
“I believe the suburb is Elwood so way far SW suburb.”
More likely at the National Guard post in Joliet.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:22 pm
Just saw the update on the location.
Joliet it is.
Comment by TheInvisibleMan Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:23 pm
“Don’t mess with Texas” but it’s ok for Texas to mess with other states.
Comment by Huh? Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:33 pm
“If their presence decreases the crime rate I welcome them with open arms.”
And how exactly will stationing a few hundred guardsmen from Texas at Federal sites decrease the crime rate (which is already going way down)?
This has zero to do with decreasing the crime rate and everything to do with normalizing putting the US military into blue states and blue cities, which is expressly prohibited under Posse Comitatus (and no, understanding that act is not new for me). This has been fundamental to who we are as a society for centuries.
Comment by New Day Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:37 pm
If ICE, Customs and Texas NG were here to decrease the crime rate then maybe one at a time per squad and with just a sidearm they could do a ride along in Englewood or Austin. They could help CPD chase people down gangways on a “man with a gun” call. Except they’d probably run back to the squad to hide.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:54 pm
====If their presence decreases the crime rate I welcome them with open arms.=
That isn’t the reason they are being brought in. The stated reason is to protect federal property and DHS personnel. Given the Governor has troopers and local police controlling the Broadview demonstrations I have no idea what they are going to do to keep them busy.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:54 pm
If people think it’s normal for our Federal gubbamint to do this, along with bombing boats, I’m frightened for My Country. It’s a sad day.
Comment by Jerry Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 12:59 pm
Underscoring how truly ridiculous current events are.
https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/chicago-best-big-city-us
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 1:01 pm
== The stated reason is to protect federal property and DHS personnel==
With the real reason of course being to discourage and suppress lawful protests and speech, with a possibility to incite violent reaction. Trumps m.o. has always been and will always be to create problems, then make it appear he’s trying to fix problems…that he created. All the while trying to expand executive branch power. Something actual conservatives used to be against.
Comment by fs Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 1:05 pm
=== If their presence decreases the crime rate I welcome them with open arms. ===
What minor positive effect it has will quickly end when they are withdrawn. This has never been about crime, it’s political posturing. If you think massive armed presence is what is needed to suppress crime. Tell your alderman to support an increase in taxes to pay for cops on every corner.
Comment by Norseman Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 1:20 pm
@btowntruth On a related note, many in West Central Illinois have never been aware (or perhaps have always been in denial) that state tax dollars tend to flow from north to south rather than the other way around, and that Downstate receives a disproportionate amount of state revenues, while Chicago and the collar counties get less in return than they put in.
In other words, many Forgotonians seem to actually believe that they are somehow “paying for” Chicagoland, when the truth is closer to the opposite. It would be kind of funny if it weren’t so irritating.
Comment by Crispy Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 1:54 pm
Who pays for the Texas National Guard deployed in Illinois? Texas? Illinois? The feds?
Comment by Dupage Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 2:11 pm
Trump won’t go any further than this…right?
Comment by Dotnonymous x Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 2:11 pm
==== If their presence decreases the crime rate I welcome them with open arms. ====
If that was really the point why wouldn’t they do it in every major city all at once? Given the small number of troops we certainly have that capacity.
Spoiler alert- it is for show and one or two cities at a time keeps it in the news constantly.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 2:19 pm
==Who pays for the Texas National Guard deployed in Illinois? Texas? Illinois? The feds?==
Taxpayers. Essentially the good ole boys are on welfare, being paid to do nothing.
Comment by low level Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 2:20 pm
West Side…no National Guard would no go back to their cars and hide…it’s been already proven they will shoot you. Catch up.
Comment by Chicago Dem Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 2:37 pm
Chicago Dem - I’m still thinking if it’s a man with a gun call, they only have a sidearm and it’s just one of them with two CPD coppers they’ll run. Maybe not to hide, they’ll just bail like a bat out of hell in the squad.
Comment by West Side the Best Side Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 3:18 pm
I cannot foresee anything other than a tragic unnecessary loss of life resulting from the NG deployment. I do not think that the NG would run if they spot a person with a gun. They will shoot. Unlike the police, the NG is trained to respond with firepower in such situations.
Comment by Original Rambler Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 3:24 pm
If only we could look to other cities to see if the hyperbole about the horror of the National Guard deploying to American cities was remotely accurate
In August up to 2000 National Guard members were deployed to DC over Mayor Bowsers objection.
It was so successful the Mayor is now coordinating with the Guard and they will be deployed through December
She is obviously on a different page than Mayor Johnson and other leaders in Chicago and Illinois
https://www.wisn.com/article/washington-dc-crime-national-guard-numbers/66041799
Comment by Harrison Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 3:42 pm
The last time one state invaded another with troops, it did not turn out well.
Comment by Keeping Track Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 3:44 pm
=If only we could look to other cities to see if the hyperbole about the horror of the National Guard deploying to American cities was remotely accurate=
So it is ok to violate the constitution then, in your opinion? If that is the case then anything goes.
Comment by JS Mill Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 3:47 pm
I thought Federal Judges were responsible for determining what violates the Constitution and what does not.
So far they have not ruled it’s unconstitutional
Comment by Harrison Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 4:02 pm
And your point is what? You jump all over the place.
Comment by Rich Miller Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 4:08 pm
===It was so successful the Mayor is now coordinating with the Guard and they will be deployed through December
Good link. Interesting that violent crime has gone up and down within the normal amounts since deployment but property crime is down. Are we doing all this for larceny?
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 4:09 pm
My point is deploying the National Guard has been successful for the public safety for DC residents and visitors , despite the local leaders initial opposition , and that a federal judge will determine whether it’s legal to deploy them in Illinois
Comment by Harrison Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 4:29 pm
It’s almost as if dc is a territory under Federal jurisdiction, and not a sovereign State subject to different constitutional standards. If you can’t recognize the difference, or just refuse to acknowledge the difference, then I can’t help you.
Comment by fs Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 4:30 pm
Again it’s up to a Federal Judge to decide this matter under our Constitution
If it was an easy call like you say the Judge would have ruled on the spot before the troops left Texas
If you can’t acknowledge that I can’t help you either
Comment by Harrison Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 4:36 pm
==If it was an easy call ==
A judge has already ruled that it is - twice - in Oregon. Why would you think this would be any different? I suppose though for someone who doesn’t particularly care about Constitutional rights it’s not a big deal.
Comment by Demoralized Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 4:39 pm
Harrison, just be honest and admit that you’re ok with a military state, led by persons fully intent on suppressing free speech (“the people protesting are domestic terrorists?), breaking into residences without warrants, and shredding longstanding constitutional protections. All in the name of “public safety”…of a city whose crime rate is lower than it was 7 years ago. Oh, wait, is this about “crime”? I thought it was immigration? You people can’t even keep your arguments straight.
And after you do admit you’re ok with all of that, invite them to conduct raids in your neighborhood, and and subject yourself first to the costs of defending yourself while we “let the courts sort it out”
Comment by fs Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 4:45 pm
My heart is literally sinking. Someone must have stepped on a butterfly on their dinosaur hunt because this version of America we’re living in is nothing short of dystopian.
I cannot fathom people who welcome the deployment of troops in US cities. Military personnel are not trained to police civilians; de-escalate situations, or deter crime. They’re trained to kill foreign enemies. Anyone who thinks having the military police our streets is a good idea is bonkers. Nothing makes me feel more UNSAFE than walking around in a place with active military patrolling.
Comment by Dismayed Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 4:53 pm
===A judge has already ruled that it is - twice - in Oregon.
Small clarification here. What the judge in Oregon imposed was a temporary restraining order and the judge in Illinois declined to issue an initial TRO. Neither of these is the final say. In Oregon’s case there are likely to be appeals of the TRO as well as the court case itself moving forward regardless of what happens with the TRO appeals.
In Illinois, a TRO could still be issued on Thursday and then it will have a similar pathway to appeals of the TRO decision and the court case itself.
A TRO generally means that a case has relatively good prospects for final adjudication by that judge at least though it is sometimes issued if allowing something to go forward will face irreparable harm.
I’m leaving out a bunch here and actual lawyers can add to this, but this is the beginning of a case and no where near the end. A TRO decision is not final adjudication in any case.
Comment by ArchPundit Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 5:05 pm
=Again it’s up to a Federal Judge to decide this matter under our Constitution=
All of our elected officials take an oath to uphold the constitution. They do so because it is the guiding principle of our democracy. The standard isn’t ignore the constitution and let the courts sort things out.
Comment by Pundent Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 5:50 pm
Abbott should pick a lane. First he sends busloads of migrants here, and now he sends the Guard after them. Are they here to escort the migrants back?
Comment by Jibba Tuesday, Oct 7, 25 @ 7:27 pm
I thought that the military was supposed to obey lawful orders.
How is the order for the Texas NG to invade Illinois lawful?
Comment by Huh? Wednesday, Oct 8, 25 @ 12:44 am