• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Chicago became the latest flashpoint in President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration crackdown on Saturday after a federal agent shot an allegedly armed motorist, prompting the White House to authorise the deployment of 300 National Guard troops to the city.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the incident unfolded Saturday morning when law enforcement vehicles were surrounded by a convoy of ten cars. DHS officials claimed that one motorist rammed into a federal vehicle while carrying a semi-automatic weapon, forcing agents to open fire. The woman, who was wounded, reportedly drove herself to a hospital for treatment.

Tricia McLaughlin, DHS assistant secretary, defended the use of force, stating agents were “boxed in” and fired in self-defence. She also accused local law enforcement of failing to assist, saying Chicago police officers “left the shooting scene” and refused to help secure the area.

ALSO READ: Trump Warns Hamas To Act Fast On Gaza Peace Deal After Deadly Strikes, Says 'I Will Not Tolerate...'

Trump Orders National Guard To Chicago

Hours after the shooting, President Trump approved the activation of 300 National Guard troops for operations in Chicago. The move escalates tensions in the Democratic-run city, where immigration raids and protests have already stretched over several weeks.

“Amidst ongoing violent riots and lawlessness, that local leaders like Pritzker have refused to step in to quell, President Trump has authorised 300 national guardsmen to protect federal officers and assets,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said in a statement.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the deployment, calling it a federal overreach. He revealed that the White House had threatened to federalise the Illinois National Guard if he did not authorise their mobilisation himself. Writing on social media, Pritzker accused Trump of using federal forces as a political tool: “The Trump Administration intends to federalise 300 members of the Illinois National Guard.”

Legal Battles In Portland

Chicago is not the only city caught in Trump’s escalating campaign. In Portland, Oregon, a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration’s attempt to deploy 200 troops. US District Judge Karin Immergut ruled on Saturday that the planned deployment was “untethered to the facts,” noting that although there had been attacks on federal property, local police could manage the unrest without military involvement.

ALSO READ: Pakistan Seeks US Partnership In Arabian Sea Port Development: Report

The ruling marked a setback for Trump’s broader strategy of targeting Democratic-led cities with federal crackdowns. Portland, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Washington have all witnessed heavy raids and protests in recent weeks.