Federal authorities have ordered the mobilization of at least 300 members of the Illinois National Guard to protect federal personnel and property in Illinois, particularly in Chicago. This action comes after a series of violent demonstrations targeting federal facilities supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Protective Services (FPS). The demonstrations are described as coordinated assaults by groups aiming to obstruct federal law enforcement activities, including deportations and removals.
According to President Donald J. Trump, "The situation in the State of Illinois, particularly in and around the city of Chicago, cannot continue. Federal facilities in Illinois, including those directly supporting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the Federal Protective Services (FPS), have come under coordinated assault by violent groups intent on obstructing Federal law enforcement activities. These groups have sought to impede the deportation and removal of criminal aliens through violent demonstrations, intimidation, and sabotage of Federal operations. These violent activities appear to be increasing, and the situation in the State of Illinois, particularly in and around the city of Chicago, cannot continue."
President Trump stated that these incidents are part of a broader trend seen across multiple states where similar efforts have been made to disrupt federal law enforcement. He referenced previous actions taken earlier in June 2025 that led to National Guard mobilizations elsewhere in response to violence against federal agencies.
"In those prior directives and in this instance, I have determined that these incidents, as well as the credible threat of continued violence, impede the execution of the laws of the United States. I have further determined that the regular forces of the United States are not sufficient to ensure the laws of the United States are faithfully executed, including in Chicago," said Trump.
By invoking his authority under 10 U.S.C. 12406, President Trump has directed that members of the Illinois National Guard serve under federal command for up to 60 days or until further notice from military leadership. The deployment is intended both for immediate protection needs and as a response pending any agreement with state officials for federally funded mobilization under Title 32.
"The members of the Illinois National Guard called into Federal service shall protect ICE, FPS, and other United States Government personnel who are executing Federal law in the State of Illinois, and Federal property in the State of Illinois. They shall do so at any locations at which violent demonstrations prevent the execution of Federal law or are likely to prevent the execution of Federal law based on current threat assessments and planned operations," Trump explained.
Coordination between federal departments is mandated by this directive. The Secretary of War will work with both state officials and national military leadership on implementation details while consulting with other relevant cabinet members before withdrawing any deployed personnel.
"To carry out this mission, the deployed National Guard personnel may perform those protective activities that the Secretary of War determines are reasonably necessary to ensure the execution of Federal law in Illinois, and to protect Federal property in Illinois. Following the deployment...the Secretary of War shall consult with the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security prior to withdrawing...The Secretary...may delegate...any...authorities conferred upon them by this memorandum," according to Trump's statement.
This order underscores ongoing tensions between some local governments or protest groups and federal authorities regarding immigration enforcement actions nationwide.
