Federal authorities are exploring the use of a naval base near North Chicago as an operational center, officials said, as the Trump administration intensifies efforts to combat crime along the nation’s borders.
On Thursday, when reporters sought confirmation that Naval Station Great Lakes might serve as a hub for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, Border Czar Tom Homan responded, “There’s discussions about that, yes.”
He was also questioned about the number of ICE agents and National Guard personnel expected to operate from the base. In response to this, Hoffman stated, “I know, but I’m not going to say. We’re not going to tell you how many resources we’re going to send to the city. We don’t want the bad guy to know what we’re sending. It will be a large contingent.”
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Homan said that operations are set to increase after Labor Day both in Chicago and nationwide, highlighting cities including New York, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle. He said, “all these sanctuary cities that refuse to work with ICE, where we know public safety threats are being released every day into this country — especially those cities — we’re going to address that. We don’t have that problem in Texas and Florida, where all the sheriffs are working with us.”
Trump has repeatedly criticized Chicago, describing it as a “war zone” and a “hellhole.” At a White House press briefing on Thursday, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt cited recent shootings in the city while highlighting broader crime statistics.
“The people are desperate for me to STOP THE CRIME, something the Democrats aren’t capable of doing,” Trump posted few days ago on his Truth Social.
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The President’s call to mobilize city troops follows recent moves by his administration, which deployed National Guard units to Washington, D.C., to address crime, immigration, and homelessness, and earlier sent forces to Los Angeles two months ago.
While the administration has yet to release specifics about its plans for Chicago, city officials on Thursday said they are bracing for several possibilities, ranging from troops supporting immigration enforcement to taking up patrols in local neighborhoods. “We don’t want to raise any fears,” Police Superintendent Larry Snelling told reporters. “We don’t want to create any speculation around what’s going on.”
Meanwhile, former President Barack Obama, a Chicago native, voiced his concern on X Thursday. “The erosion of basic principles like due process and the expanding use of our military on domestic soil puts the liberties of all Americans at risk, and should concern Democrats and Republicans alike,” he wrote.