The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has officially ceased operations at its “Operation Midway Blitz” command hub, previously situated at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, Illinois. City officials confirmed this to ABC7 Chicago on Sunday.
Note: The accompanying video is from an earlier report.
This update coincides with the departure of 200 federalized Texas National Guard members from the same base. Additionally, Cmdr. Greg Bovino of Customs and Border Protection has relocated from the Chicago area to address immigration enforcement activities in Charlotte, North Carolina.
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According to information provided by two U.S. officials to ABC News on Saturday, the Texas National Guard personnel dispatched to Chicago are now returning to their respective states.
These Guard troops had initially arrived at the Naval Station Great Lakes in early October but were unable to undertake any operations due to ongoing legal proceedings.
The DHS had utilized the command center at this naval station as part of a broader initiative to intensify immigration enforcement efforts throughout the Chicago region.
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An official with the City of North Chicago shared the following statement with ABC7 Chicago on Sunday:
“Mayor Leon Rockingham is pleased to report that the Department of Homeland Security has left its command center at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago. The City of North Chicago was informed of the closure late Friday afternoon, November 14, 2025, according to Gregory Jackson, Chief of Staff.
“The departure comes two months after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) first secured the property to support ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ President Donald Trump’s escalated deportation campaign in the Chicago area. The Command Center at Naval Station Great Lakes provided office space, parking spots, and portable laundry units to the federal agents. It has also functioned as a training and storage facility.
“In October, DHS officials said it planned to use the North Chicago command center through at ‘least December.’ The early departure ends weeks of turmoil and disruption to daily life. Mayor Rockingham and the City Council wish to thank and acknowledge the heroic efforts of the entire North Chicago community who worked together tirelessly to keep everyone safe and informed about ICE’s actions in the community. The spirit of neighbor helping neighbor sustains all of us in times of need. WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER.”
The Texas Guard members had been activated on federal orders by President Donald Trump in early October and placed on an active duty Title 10 status.
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Texas will maintain a force of 200 members who have all volunteered for the mission, according to one of the U.S. officials.
The 200 members of the Illinois National Guard who had also been federalized by President Donald Trump to operate in Chicago will remain on active duty, said the official.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s office shared the following statement with ABC7 Chicago Saturday evening:
“While there are reports the Texas guard is leaving, the Trump Administration is also saying they will keep federalizing national guards to “ensure a constant, enduring, and long-term presence” in cities. This confirms what we have always known: this is about normalizing military forces in American cities.
“Illinois will continue fighting for our state sovereignty, protecting people’s rights, and keeping our communities peaceful.
“And, as we have said since the beginning…
“No, the Trump Administration does not provide the Governor’s office updates on military movements within our state. There has never been a serious willingness from the federal government to coordinate or cooperate with the state.”
ABC News contributed to this report.
