CHICAGO, Ill. (WCIA) — The federal government has dispatched several National Guard members from Central Illinois to Chicago, bolstering efforts to maintain order in the city.
According to U.S. Northern Command, which oversees the deployment of these troops in Chicago, the soldiers will be stationed there for a 60-day period. During this time, they will operate under federal command, specifically under the leadership of the Commander of U.S. Northern Command, rather than state authority.
Though Northern Command did not specify the exact number of troops from each armory in Central Illinois, they confirmed that personnel from various armories in the region are among those deployed to Chicago.
“These soldiers are tasked with safeguarding U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel and other federal employees as they carry out their duties, which include enforcing federal laws and protecting federal property,” stated Northern Command regarding the mission of the troops.
