BREAKING NEWS
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has condemned the deployment of US National Guard troops to his state, labeling it "Trump's invasion". The move comes as President Donald Trump ordered an additional 400 National Guard members from Texas to be deployed to Illinois, Oregon, and other states.
According to sources, the troops were sent to Chicago on October 4, 2025, in response to a reported arrest by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Residents of the city's Brighton Park neighborhood confronted US Border Patrol and law enforcement agents at a refueling station, leading to a tense standoff.
Governor Pritzker has called for Governor Greg Abbott of Texas to withdraw support for the decision, stating that there is "no reason a President should send military troops into a sovereign state without their knowledge, consent, or cooperation".
The deployment has sparked immediate concern among local residents and officials. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot has expressed her own concerns about the situation, saying she was "not informed" of the troop deployment.
In response to the criticism, White House officials have defended the move as necessary to maintain public safety and order. However, Governor Pritzker remains adamant that the decision is a clear overreach by President Trump.
The deployment marks a significant escalation in the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the role of federal authorities in enforcing it. As the situation continues to unfold, residents and officials alike are bracing for further developments.
In the coming days, Illinois lawmakers will likely convene emergency meetings to discuss the implications of the troop deployment and potential next steps. Meanwhile, President Trump's administration is expected to face mounting pressure from critics who argue that the move constitutes an unwarranted invasion of state sovereignty.
*This story is developing. Information compiled from Aljazeera reporting.*
