Roughly 200 members of the Texas National Guard have been deployed to Illinois to assist federal authorities in protecting government property and personnel following a series of violent protests and attacks outside federal facilities in the Chicago area, the Pentagon confirmed Tuesday.
According to a statement provided to Fox News, the Pentagon said the troops were sent “in support of the Federal Protection Mission to protect federal functions, personnel, and property.”
The deployment, approved for an additional 60-day period, follows repeated incidents of violence targeting federal agents and facilities across the state, particularly at the federal center in Broadview, a suburb of Chicago.
The elite Texas National Guard.
Ever ready.
Deploying now. pic.twitter.com/7lXe7Wpmue
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 7, 2025
The Broadview facility has become a frequent flashpoint for unrest in recent months, with multiple demonstrations escalating into physical confrontations and property damage.
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Law enforcement officials said that protesters, many aligned with far-left activist groups, have attacked federal agents, vandalized vehicles, and obstructed operations.
Authorities reported that several individuals have been arrested for assaulting agents, throwing projectiles, and slashing government vehicle tires.
Federal Protective Service officers have used pepper spray, tear gas, and rubber bullets in attempts to disperse the crowds, but the demonstrations have persisted.
The situation intensified on Saturday when approximately ten vehicles deliberately rammed and surrounded federal agents near the Broadview facility.
According to law enforcement reports, one of the rioters was armed, prompting agents to return fire in self-defense.
The Department of Homeland Security said no agents were seriously injured in the incident.
This morning, during routine patrolling in Broadview, in the same area of Chicago that law enforcement were assaulted yesterday, our brave law enforcement officers were rammed by vehicles and boxed in by 10 cars.
Agents were unable to move their vehicles and exited the car. One…
— Tricia McLaughlin (@TriciaOhio) October 4, 2025
In response to the escalation, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that additional special operations personnel would be deployed to Illinois.
Noem called the ramming attack “an unacceptable escalation of violence against federal officers” and confirmed that DHS was coordinating with the Pentagon and state officials to secure federal property.
“The elite Texas National Guard are on the ground and ready to go,” Texas Governor Greg Abbott posted on X on Tuesday.
The elite Texas National Guard are on the ground and ready to go.
They are putting America first by ensuring that the federal government can safely enforce federal law. https://t.co/5bEoKDS13i
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) October 7, 2025
“They are putting America first by ensuring that the federal government can safely enforce federal law.”
🚨 BREAKING: The Texas National Guard have been spotted arriving in Chicago, Illinois.
Gov. JB Pritzker and Mayor Brandon Johnson are fuming tonight.
Federal immigration agents now have backup. pic.twitter.com/MVBYjbS1vQ
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 7, 2025
Several Democratic candidates running for an open congressional seat in Chicago have been linked to the protests.
Among them are Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss and Kat Abughazaleh, a progressive activist, who were recorded blocking federal vehicles and obstructing law enforcement outside the Broadview facility.
Federal officials said those actions are under review and may result in additional charges.
Tensions have also risen between local and federal officials over the deployment.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson criticized the operation, calling it “illegal, unconstitutional, dangerous and wrong.”
Johnson claimed during a Monday news conference that he has the authority to declare “ICE-free zones” within the city and prevent federal agents from making arrests.
“The Trump administration must end the war on Chicago,” Johnson said.
“The Trump administration must end this war against Americans. The Trump administration must end its attempt to dismantle our democracy.”
The Pentagon said the troops will continue working alongside DHS and other federal agencies “to protect federal operations and ensure the safety of government employees and facilities.”
The deployment marks one of the most significant federal security responses in Illinois in recent years, as officials seek to prevent further violence at federal sites in the greater Chicago area.
Sen. Dick Durbin is going to regret asking this question for the rest of his life. It totally backfired on him.
AG Pam Bondi eviscerated him:
DURBIN: “They are going to transfer Texas National Guard units to the state of Illinois. What’s the rationale for that?”
BONDI: “Yeah,… pic.twitter.com/yS2zZFSFt4
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) October 7, 2025
