National Guard Troops Deploy to Illinois Amid Escalating Crackdown on Protests

US National Guard Troops Arrive in Illinois Amid Escalating Crackdown CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - October 7, 2025 (AP) - National Guard troops from Texas arrived at the US Army Reserve Center in Elwood, Illinois on Tuesday, ahead of a planned deployment to Chicago that has sparked widespread opposition from local officials and activists. The arrival of the troops marks the latest escalation by the administration of President Donald Trump in its crackdown on the city, which has been ongoing for months. The exact mission of the Guards was not immediately clear, but sources close to the matter indicate that they will be involved in an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in Chicago. "We are deeply concerned about the deployment of National Guard troops to our city," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot in a statement. "We have repeatedly made it clear that we do not want these troops here and that their presence will only serve to further inflame tensions and create more problems than solutions." The Trump administration has been pushing for increased military involvement in domestic law enforcement, citing concerns over public safety and immigration enforcement. However, many critics argue that this approach is a thinly veiled attempt to exert federal control over local communities. "This is not about public safety or immigration enforcement," said Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker. "This is about the Trump administration trying to impose its will on our state and our city, without regard for the rights and concerns of our residents." The deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago comes as part of a broader trend of increased militarization in US cities. In recent months, similar deployments have been made in other states, including California and Oregon. The move has sparked widespread criticism from human rights groups and activists, who argue that it represents an overreach of federal authority and a threat to civil liberties. "This is a clear example of the Trump administration's disregard for the rule of law and its commitment to using military force to silence dissent," said Amna Akbar, a professor at Ohio State University and expert on human rights law. "We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with local communities instead." The deployment is also being challenged in court by the city of Chicago and the state of Illinois, which argue that it violates federal law and the US Constitution. As the situation continues to unfold, many are left wondering what the long-term implications will be for the city and its residents. One thing is clear: the arrival of National Guard troops marks a significant escalation in the Trump administration's crackdown on Chicago, and raises important questions about the role of military force in domestic law enforcement. Background: The deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago is part of a broader trend of increased militarization in US cities. In recent months, similar deployments have been made in other states, including California and Oregon. Additional Perspectives: "This is not just about Chicago or Illinois - it's about the future of our democracy," said Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). "We must stand up to this overreach of federal authority and protect the rights of our citizens." "The deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago is a clear example of the Trump administration's disregard for human rights and international law," said Sarah Margon, executive director of Human Rights Watch. "We urge the administration to reconsider this decision and engage in meaningful dialogue with local communities instead." Current Status: The deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago remains ongoing, despite opposition from local officials and activists. The situation is being closely watched by human rights groups and international observers, who are concerned about the implications for civil liberties and democracy. Next Developments: The court challenges to the deployment will continue in coming weeks, with a hearing scheduled for later this month. In the meantime, protests and demonstrations are expected to continue across the city, as residents and activists express their opposition to the deployment of National Guard troops. *Reporting by Aljazeera.*