Gov. Greg Abbott has deployed approximately 200 Texas National Guard members to Illinois to support federal agents in addressing illegal immigration and crime, according to Pentagon officials. The troops are stationed for at least 60 days and will protect federal personnel and property amid ongoing anti-ICE protests.

The deployment follows clashes between anti-immigration demonstrators and agents near an ICE facility in Broadview, where about a dozen arrests have been reported. Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker opposed the move, urging Abbott to withdraw the National Guard, but Abbott rejected the request. The Texas governor stated he authorized the mobilization of 400 guardsmen to ensure safety for federal officials.

Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the deployment as “illegal,” “unconstitutional,” and “dangerous,” citing a lack of prior communication. Illinois and Chicago filed lawsuits to block the operation, with Johnson emphasizing his commitment to protecting civil rights despite the controversy. The National Guard troops are currently based at an Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, Ill., about 55 miles from Chicago.