Former President Barack Obama cautioned that the increased use of the military on American soil threatens the liberties of all citizens. His remarks came in response to plans by the Trump administration to intensify crackdowns on crime and immigration in Chicago.
On Thursday, documents obtained by the New York Times revealed that the Trump administration is planning a large-scale immigration operation in Chicago. It will involve 200 officials from the Department of Homeland Security and will use Naval Station Great Lakes, located about 35 miles north of Chicago, as a staging ground.
Obama expressed concern over the federal government’s growing paramilitary approach. He referenced an interview published by Times columnist Ezra Klein, featuring journalist Radley Balko, who has chronicled the militarization of law enforcement under Trump.
“This overview highlights some troubling trends regarding the federalization and militarization of local police duties,” Obama said in a social media post. He continued, “The erosion of basic rights like due process, combined with expanded military presence on domestic soil, endangers freedoms for all Americans and should alarm both parties.”
Border czar Tom Homan confirmed ongoing discussions about using the Illinois naval base to support immigration enforcement. He emphasized that Chicago still has crime challenges and noted President Trump’s promise to restore safety across the country.
Since the announcement of the potential military and federal deployment, political leaders have responded sharply. Chicago’s Democratic Mayor Brandon Johnson called Trump’s threat to send the National Guard “uncoordinated, uncalled for, and unsound.”
Contrary to Trump’s portrayal of the city as “a mess,” Chicago’s latest crime report showed a notable decline in violent crime for the first half of 2025. Violent crime decreased by 21.6 percent, homicides dropped by 33 percent, and shootings fell by 38 percent compared to the previous year.
Trump has repeatedly criticized cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C., for crime problems. He recently sent National Guard troops to Washington to aid police efforts, with guardsmen even seen performing basic tasks such as trash pickup near the White House.
The Trump administration’s request to use Naval Station Great Lakes aims to facilitate a large immigration enforcement operation. This includes logistical support for ICE and Customs and Border Protection officials, along with facilities for a tactical command center.
As plans for Chicago unfold, city officials have voiced a desire for clearer communication from the White House. The potential deployment of federal agents and possibly National Guard troops raises tensions amid mixed crime data and political pushback.
This move is part of Trump’s broader effort to address what he describes as rising crime and immigration challenges in major American cities. The debate about militarization of law enforcement and its impact on civil liberties continues to divide opinion nationally.
All Americans should closely watch these developments, as the expanding use of military-style operations domestically may affect the protections and freedoms of citizens across the country.
