A law enforcement officer equipped with a firearm is seated inside a heavily armored vehicle in Chicago, Illinois, on October 4, 2025. AFP
– The Illinois senator describes this as a “shameful chapter” in U.S. history.
– Democrats accuse President Trump of trying to seize authoritarian control.
– Protesters in Portland report being scattered as their attacks on officers and properties continue.
CHICAGO – After a federal agent shot an allegedly armed driver on Saturday, President Donald Trump authorized sending troops to Chicago. Meanwhile, a judge blocked Trump’s attempt to deploy the military in Portland, another city run by Democrats.
The rising tensions across the nation reflect a clash between Trump’s increasingly militarized effort to combat crime and migration and Democratic opposition, who say the president is trying to consolidate power unlawfully.
“President Trump has approved the deployment of 300 National Guard members to protect federal officials and assets in Chicago,” White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson announced, following weeks of threats from Republicans to send troops to the Midwest city against local officials’ wishes.
“President Trump refuses to ignore the lawlessness damaging American cities,” she added.
Illinois Senator Dick Durbin criticized the move as part of a “shameful chapter” in U.S. history, asserting that the president’s motivations are more about spreading fear than addressing crime.
Chicago and Portland are the latest hotspots in the Trump administration’s series of raids, following deployments in Los Angeles and Washington. These operations have involved masked, armed personnel in unmarked vehicles targeting neighborhoods and businesses, provoking protests.
Despite Trump’s claims that Portland is plagued with violence, US District Judge Karin Immergut clarified in a ruling that “the President’s assessment is not supported by the facts.” While there have been sporadic assaults on federal personnel and property, there’s no evidence these incidents are part of a broad effort to overthrow the government, she said.
Portland’s protests, which don’t threaten rebellion and are manageable by regular law enforcement, were deemed insufficient grounds for federal intervention, the judge added.
Oregon’s Senator Ron Wyden praised the legal decision, stating that it affirms Oregon residents “do not want or need Donald Trump provoking violence by deploying federal troops.” White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller responded on social media, condemning the ruling as “legal insurrection” and accused Oregon leaders of orchestrating a “terrorist attack” on federal authorities.
Earlier Saturday, a federal agent in Chicago shot a driver after the vehicle was “cornered by 10 cars,” according to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). DHS official Tricia McLaughlin explained that the driver rammed a law enforcement vehicle while armed with a semi-automatic weapon, prompting officers to shoot in self-defense.
The agent’s intended medical care was provided after the incident. DHS reports she drove herself to a hospital with minor wounds. Chicago Fire Department spokesperson Larry Merritt told the Sun-Times she was in fair condition, and was hospitalized locally.
McLaughlin criticized Chicago police for “leaving the scene” and failing to assist federal officers in securing the area. Chicago police clarified they responded to the scene but are not investigating; federal authorities are leading the probe.
Post-shooting, protesters chanting “ICE go home!” faced tear gas and pepper balls from federal agents, causing brief dispersal before they regrouped. The federal agents later vacated the site.
“Operation Midway Blitz” began in Chicago last month, with this shooting marking the third time federal agents have fired weapons during the campaign. DHS officials reported that ICE officers shot and killed 38-year-old immigrant Silverio Villegas Gonzalez during a traffic stop on September 12, accusing him of trying to flee and dragging an ICE officer with his vehicle.
