Tensions grow in Chicago as Trump ramps up federal presence

CHICAGO (NewsNation) — Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker slammed President Donald Trump as federal agents flooded downtown Chicago, accusing the administration of using federal law enforcement to sow "fear and intimidation and division" rather than fight crime.

The Department of Homeland Security has requested the Department of Defense deploy 100 military troops to Illinois amid escalating tensions.

The Pentagon told NewsNation the request was meant to safeguard federal personnel and property.

"The Department of War has received a request for assistance to safeguard Federal personnel, property, and functions in the state of Illinois. Any decisions will be made in accordance with established processes and announced at the appropriate time," Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell said.

5 charged in Illinois ICE facility protest 

The move follows a weekend of protests outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, where agents deployed pepper balls and tear gas.

Gregory Bovino, the Border Patrol’s commander-at-large and former El Centro Sector chief, said agents would protect people's First Amendment rights to protest — but that if they endangered his agents, they would face the consequences.

Bovino said hundreds of Border Patrol agents were stationed across Chicago's downtown neighborhoods. The agency has arrested eight people so far, two of whom were U.S. citizens detained for not being able to verify their identity without documents.

DHS hasn't said how many people total have been detained in "Operation Midway Blitz" or how many of those have criminal histories.

Nearly 72% detainees have no record: Mayor Brandon Johnson

While DHS has said it is targeting the "worst of the worst," Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson noted nearly 72% of those detained have no criminal record.

Ana Miranda told NewsNation her father, who has lived in the United States for more than 30 years without incident, was taken by ICE officers at gunpoint and now could face deportation.

"My parents came here over 30 years ago, trying to look for a better life. My father also works two jobs. He doesn't drink. To me he's the best person ever," Miranda said. "He taught me a lot of things in life. He's not the type of person to cause a lot of legal problems. He's never been arrested before; he doesn't even have a speeding ticket."

Miranda's father has reportedly been sent to a processing center in Texas, but because he hasn't committed a crime, he could be released on parole.