Illinois National Guard, ICE Clash in Deadly Chicago Confrontation

In December 2025, a violent confrontation erupted in Chicago between ICE agents, under President Trump's directive, and Illinois National Guard troops activated by Governor Pritzker to protect residents, including undocumented immigrants, from mass deportations to African countries. The clashes resulted in gunfire and multiple deaths, reminiscent of the Kent State shootings, with Pritzker also deploying the Chicago police reserves and a private protective force to maintain order. Meanwhile, the city continues to suffer from a high level of gun violence, with over a thousand shooting incidents reported in 2025, yet local leaders like Governor Pritzker and Chicago's mayor resist deploying armed troops as a solution. Political developments in Chicago also indicate a progressive shift, as exemplified by Brandon Johnson's unlikely mayoral victory, supported by a multiracial coalition and focused on progressive policies such as abolishing the subminimum wage and mental health reforms. This political momentum parallels movements in other cities, like New York, where candidates like Zohran Mamdani advocate for affordability and progressive agendas. These events reflect Chicago's complex and contentious political and social landscape amid challenges of immigration enforcement, public safety, and political realignment.