- Federal order to federalize 300 Illinois National Guard troops for Chicago followed days of ICE raids and protest clashes; Gov. Pritzker says the Pentagon delivered an ultimatum
- Protests at Broadview met with tear gas, pepper balls, and force against demonstrators and journalists, according to multiple reports
Chicago (WNews USA) – This week, Chicago experienced a surge of aggressive immigration raids as part of “Operation Midway Blitz,” primarily in the South Shore, Brighton Park, and Broadview areas. These neighbourhoods were already on edge. Tensions grew between Illinois officials and the Trump administration after an order to place 300 Illinois National Guard members under federal control. On Saturday, October 4, Governor J.B. Pritzker said military officials gave a clear ultimatum: “Call up your troops, or we will.”
The situation escalated after a week of raids, protests, and a widely shared video showing a military-style operation.
The flashpoint came after days of aggressive ICE actions and demonstrations outside the Broadview federal immigration site. Viral videos show agents using tear gas, pepper balls, and physical force against protesters and journalists.
Earlier this week, federal agents raided a South Shore apartment overnight using helicopters and flashbangs, arresting thirty-seven people. DHS claimed the targets had gang and drug ties, but civil rights groups and local leaders called the tactics excessive and said they traumatized families.
DHS says the Chicago operation began in early September and has resulted in hundreds of arrests. The department frames it as part of a nationwide crackdown on serious offenders. Local news has tracked these raids and protests daily since the campaign began.
On Saturday, following a week of heightened raids and protests, two significant events unfolded: an order for National Guard deployment and a shooting involving federal agents.
By Saturday, tensions reached their highest point. Governor Pritzker said the Pentagon planned to put 300 Guard soldiers under federal control for Chicago, calling the move “outrageous and un-American.” Local media confirmed his account and his refusal to comply.
Later on Saturday, U.S. Border Patrol agents shot and wounded an armed U.S. citizen in Brighton Park during ongoing protests involving federal vehicles. The DHS stated that the woman drove herself to a hospital but did not provide further details. Federal agents also broke up crowds with pepper spray and less-lethal rounds. This incident further heightened tensions after the week’s prior raids and demonstrations.
By Saturday evening, officials had not specified where Guard troops would be sent or their mission. The governor warned that the federal order strips state authority, placing soldiers under federal command for tasks related to DHS activities. With further protests possible, Illinois leaders are exploring legal actions, and developments are being closely monitored.
Chicago media reports the White House made this decision after a week of protests and marches, citing a need to protect federal workers and property. UPS opposed the move. The ACLU and Illinois ACLU warned that using the military in immigration enforcement could suppress First Amendment rights and escalate violence.
City Hall and state leaders are pushing back.
On Saturday morning, after several days of raids, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order supporting protest rights and urging calm. Earlier in the week, Governor Pritzker had rejected a DHS request for military help and promised legal opposition if mobilization was forced.
Reports say his office is evaluating legal moves and maintaining that state and local agencies will protect peaceful protests and public safety, apart from federal immigration actions.
In Broadview, just west of Chicago, enforcement has been most intense. Reporters, observers, and faith leaders described repeated efforts to block detainee transports. Federal agents responded with force. Rights groups reported tactics against journalists and heavy chemical irritant use. Several protesters and local politicians were arrested.
What’s next: legal battles, questions about accountability, and a city feeling tense
As 300 Guard troops are set to come under federal control and DHS prepares more special operations, Illinois officials and civil groups are preparing for legal and political challenges over the federal government’s role in local immigration enforcement. Upcoming court cases will likely examine the authority of federalized Guard troops in maintaining order, and more debate is expected about sanctuary policies that limit local cooperation with federal authorities.
Affected families urgently need legal help. Lawyers report that attorney access and detainee information remain significant issues, particularly at short-term facilities. DHS says it targets violent offenders and claims hundreds of arrests since September 1, but advocates say many citizens and families have been caught in the raids. Local organizations and legal clinics are mobilizing to help. Families can contact the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights or the Chicago Legal Clinic for legal aid. For emotional support, individuals are encouraged to seek local counsellors or advocacy groups.
