Armed federal agents patrolled downtown Chicago on Sunday while President Donald Trump ordered 200 National Guard troops into Portland, Oregon — a move immediately challenged in court by state leaders who say the president overstepped his authority. Meanwhile, Memphis is bracing for the arrival of additional federal forces, including immigration and drug enforcement agents, expected later this week.
The growing presence of federal law enforcement and military personnel in American cities has sparked backlash from state and local officials, who argue the deployments are less about public safety and more about intimidation.
Chicago: Agents in Tourist Areas, Clashes in the Suburbs
On Sunday afternoon, dozens of U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in tactical gear marched through some of Chicago’s busiest downtown streets — including Michigan Avenue and the Chicago Riverwalk — startling shoppers, diners, and tourists.
Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson condemned the show of force.
“While Chicagoans and visitors are enjoying another gorgeous Sunday, they are being intimidated by masked federal agents flaunting automatic weapons for no apparent reason,” Johnson said.
Gov. JB Pritzker echoed the criticism, calling the patrols “a show of intimidation” that damages local businesses without making anyone safer.
Federal officials insisted the mission was focused on arresting undocumented immigrants with criminal records. Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino confirmed “several arrests” had been made but offered no details about who was targeted.
Tensions flared outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, west of Chicago, where agents fired pepper balls and tear gas into crowds of protesters on Friday and Saturday. Protesters allege federal agents escalated without cause, while Broadview’s mayor accused ICE of endangering residents and first responders. Local police launched a criminal investigation after a TV reporter’s vehicle was allegedly struck by a chemical munition fired by federal officers.
Portland: Trump Orders Troops, Oregon Pushes Back
In Oregon, Trump ordered 200 National Guard troops deployed to Portland, citing the need to protect immigration detention facilities from what he described as “rebellion against the authority of the Government of the United States.”
Gov. Tina Kotek flatly rejected that claim. “Putting our own military on our streets is an abuse of power and a disservice to our communities and our service members,” Kotek said, adding that she refused to activate Oregon’s Guard. Trump instead issued a direct order through Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield filed suit in federal court, arguing the president lacks authority to deploy troops absent invasion, rebellion, or a breakdown in the enforcement of federal law. “Sending in 200 National Guard troops to guard a single building is not normal,” Rayfield said.
Protests in Portland have mostly centered around a single ICE building, with demonstrations drawing dozens, not hundreds. Federal officials say agents have been injured in recent clashes; protesters say they too have been hurt.
Memphis: Awaiting Federal Arrival
In Memphis, preparations are underway for an anticipated surge of federal presence as part of a Trump-announced crime task force. Gov. Bill Lee said the state expects about 150 National Guard members, though numbers remain uncertain. He emphasized that troops would not carry out arrests and would only be armed if requested by local authorities.
In addition, 300 Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers will be deployed, Lee said. Immigration and drug enforcement agents are also expected to increase operations in the city.
Community advocates and immigrant groups voiced fears that the move will lead to indiscriminate ICE enforcement. On Saturday, dozens marched to City Hall demanding investment in education, youth programs, and health care instead of federal troops.
A Broader Pattern
The escalating federal deployments follow Trump’s previous use of troops in Washington, D.C., and his backing of aggressive federal enforcement in Los Angeles. Critics say the actions represent a creeping expansion of federal power into local policing, while supporters argue the moves are necessary to address crime and protect federal property.
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