Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• Trump administration requests Navy base for immigration enforcement — The Chicago Sun-Times reported that the Trump administration made a request to use a Navy base near Chicago to assist in the crackdown on undocumented immigrants. While a final decision hasn't been made, federal immigration agents and possibly National Guard troops would operate out of the base for much of September, a plan that one Navy captain says raises "a lot of concerns and questions."
• White House requests military base support for immigration enforcement in Chicago area — The Trump administration's Department of Homeland Security requested that Naval Station Great Lakes near Chicago provide facilities and logistical support for immigration operations targeting "sanctuary cities." The request, confirmed by the base on Thursday, includes potential National Guard deployment from September 2–30. Illinois Democratic leaders, including Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin and Governor JB Pritzker, condemned the plan as unconstitutional and unauthorized, arguing it undermines military readiness and represents federal overreach into a city that has not requested assistance.

Supporting reports

• National Guard troops deployed to perform beautification projects in Washington, D.C. — National Guard troops were deployed in Washington, D.C., to pick up trash and work on dozens of "beautification and restoration" projects. This deployment occurred amid the administration's stated focus on using military forces to address crime in American cities.

Supporting reports

• Hegseth orders weapons for DC National Guard troops — Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth issued a directive that Joint Task Force-DC members supporting the federal crime-reduction mission in Washington DC will be deployed with service-issued weapons, reversing the Pentagon's prior statement that troops would remain unarmed. A defense official stated the order came "at the direction of the secretary of defense" and cited consistency with mission and training. The DC government had been informed of the intent to arm troops.
• Pentagon authorizes National Guard troops in Washington DC to carry firearms — The Pentagon authorized 2,000 National Guard troops deployed to Washington DC to carry service-issued firearms while supporting local law enforcement efforts to reduce crime. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the authorization, with troops assigned to crime-reduction missions carrying weapons while those assigned to city beautification roles would not. The deployment represents an escalation of military presence in the nation's capital under a law-and-order mandate.
• National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., began carrying firearms — National Guard troops deployed to Washington, D.C., under the federal takeover of the city's police began carrying firearms on the night of August 24, 2025, marking an escalation in the militarization of the nation's capital.