A leaked Department of Homeland Security memo confirms that military forces are already staged in Chicago to support ICE operations, marking an unprecedented federal intervention in America’s third-largest city. Federal Forces Deploy to Chicago Despite Local Opposition The Department of Homeland Security requested immediate Department of Defense support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in the Chicago metropolitan area, according to a leaked memo dated August 27, 2025. The document, obtained by investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein, reveals that a military advance party arrived at Naval Station Great Lakes on September 2. This deployment represents the first concrete evidence of active-duty military personnel supporting domestic immigration enforcement in a major American city. Military Operations Staged from Naval Base Naval Station Great Lakes, located approximately 30 miles from downtown Chicago, serves as the staging area for federal operations. The leaked memo indicates DHS Executive Secretary Andrew Whitaker and DoD Executive Secretary Anthony Fuscellaro coordinated the military support request. This strategic positioning allows federal forces to maintain operational flexibility while avoiding direct confrontation with Chicago’s sanctuary city policies that have historically resisted immigration enforcement efforts. State Officials Deny Guard Involvement Illinois National Guard officials explicitly stated they have received no activation orders or preparatory commands for any Chicago mission. This denial suggests the operation relies entirely on active-duty military personnel rather than state-controlled Guard units. The distinction is significant because it demonstrates the federal government’s intention to bypass state authority in immigration enforcement. Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson have publicly opposed federal military deployment in their jurisdictions. Trump Administration Frames Operation as National Security Priority President Trump’s executive orders declaring a national emergency at the southern border provide the legal framework for military involvement in immigration enforcement. The administration characterizes illegal immigration as an “invasion” requiring federal intervention to protect national security and public safety. Trump confirmed the deployment with his statement “We’re going in” when asked about sending troops to Chicago. This approach reflects the administration’s commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement despite local resistance from sanctuary jurisdictions. The memo suggests a month-long operation timeline, though specific details about troop numbers and rules of engagement remain classified. This deployment establishes a precedent for federal military support in domestic law enforcement that extends beyond traditional border security operations into major urban centers across America. Sources: Exclusive: Leak Confirms Chicago Military Troops Might Already Be in Chicago, Leaked Memo Says Is Trump Hedging Again About Chicago? Breaking: Trump Admin Requests Military Aid in Support of ICE Operations in Chicago