Overview

• An internal message from Naval Station Great Lakes’ commanding officer says DHS, ICE and CBP personnel will be housed on the base to support an operation focused on downtown Chicago.
• Base officials say DHS requested only limited facilities and logistical support, and they report no official request to host National Guard units.
• The email notes any formal assistance requires approval from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, and it flags only a potential to support Guard units with no details yet.
• Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said an ICE strike team will be in Chicago soon, signaling specialized tactical units are being readied for deployment.
• Illinois and Chicago leaders say they were not consulted and are preparing legal responses as experts caution that a federalized Guard cannot conduct routine local policing.