MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Federal agents armed with weapons were present in Chicago’s downtown area on Sunday, marking a significant step up in immigration enforcement efforts. This action follows President Donald Trump’s declaration to dispatch federal troops to Portland, emphasizing an increasing federal law enforcement presence in various U.S. cities.
Additionally, Republican Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee announced that federal officials, including those from immigration and drug enforcement, are expected to arrive in Memphis starting this week.
In Chicago over the weekend, numerous armed federal agents donned in tactical gear were seen patrolling some of the city’s crowded tourist and shopping zones. This is part of an intensified immigration crackdown that initiated earlier this month, with incidents at an ICE facility in Broadview, near Chicago, where federal officers on Friday and Saturday deployed pepper balls and tear gas against demonstrators.
President Trump stated on social media Saturday that he instructed the Department of Defense to “provide all necessary Troops to protect War ravaged Portland,” claiming it was essential to defend U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement sites. His decision faced opposition from Oregon’s Democratic governor.
These actions follow Trump’s focus on crime reduction in Washington, D.C., and steps in Los Angeles as a reaction to violent immigration protests after the troops arrived.
Here’s a rundown of potential and current federal law enforcement activity in Chicago, Portland and Memphis.
Chicago
On Sunday, federal agents were seen walking along Michigan Avenue and the Chicago River, catching the attention of shoppers and families dining outdoors. Many began filming the scene. A small group of activists followed the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson blasted the sudden physical show of force.
“While Chicagoans and visitors are enjoying another gorgeous Sunday, they are being intimidated by masked federal agents flaunting automatic weapons for no apparent reason,” Johnson said in a statement. “This is another brazen provocation from the Trump administration that does nothing to make our city safer.”
Two days earlier, agents repeatedly fired chemical agents toward a crowd of over 100 protesters after some of the group attempted to block a car from driving down a street toward the ICE building. Pepper bullets and tear gas canisters went into the crowd, most of them standing away from the fence and not blocking traffic.
Broadview’s mayor criticized ICE for actions that she said have endangered local police, firefighters, residents near the facility and protesters.
In previous weeks, protesters had also tried to block agents’ vehicles from moving in or out of a yard next to the building.
Activists and family members of detainees have raised concerns in recent days that the facility meant to process arrestees is a de facto detention center plagued by inhumane conditions.
Trump previously threatened to send the National Guard into Chicago but has yet to follow through.
Portland
Oregon Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek responded to Trump’s comments that he was “authorizing Full Force, if necessary” to handle “domestic terrorists” by saying he is abusing his authority by ordering troops into a city that she said is doing “just fine” on its own.
Other government, police and business leaders said soldiers are not needed and Trump is presenting a false picture of the city.
“There is no insurrection. There is no threat to national security,” Kotek told reporters.
The governor said she “tried to understand his reasoning” during their conversation and his response was just, “Let’s keep talking.”
A Pentagon spokesperson said the Department of Defense would provide information and updates when available. A spokesperson for the Oregon National Guard said any requests for Guard support would need to be coordinated through the governor’s office.
Late Saturday, a small crowd of protesters gathered on the sidewalk outside an ICE facility. One person was arrested by federal law enforcement after a brief confrontation as ICE agents cleared a path for a vehicle exiting the facility.
Recent demonstrations have focused on the area around the ICE building. Some federal agents have been injured and several protesters have been charged with assault. Some demonstrators also say they have been injured.
Memphis
Trump said earlier this month that he was creating a task force of federal law enforcement agencies to combat crime in Memphis. The city has experienced high numbers of violent crimes such as carjackings and homicides in recent years, but both Democratic and Republican officials have noted that the majority-Black city is seeing decreases this year in some crime categories.
Lee, the governor, has publicly said he would not expect more than 150 National Guard members to be sent to Memphis, though he’s said the numbers aren’t solidified. The city said Friday there won’t be tanks. The Guard troops won’t be making arrests and won’t be armed unless local authorities request that, Lee said Friday.
It’s unclear when Guard members will arrive. Lee also said 300 Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers will be in the region.
Latinos in Memphis have expressed concern that ICE agents will increase their presence in Memphis and detain people who are in the country legally.
On Saturday, dozens of people marched to a plaza in front of City Hall to protest the law enforcement surge. Speakers at a news conference said that, instead of federal troops and agents, Memphis needs more funding for education, crime prevention, youth services and hospitals.
Oregon officials have made similar comments.
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