Former President Barack Obama warned that the increased use of the military on American soil threatened the freedoms of all citizens. His remarks followed the Trump administration’s plans to intensify its crackdown on crime and immigration in Chicago.
Documents obtained by The New York Times on Thursday revealed that the Trump administration is planning a major immigration crackdown in Chicago. The operation will involve 200 Department of Homeland Security agents and will use the Great Lakes Naval Station, located about 56 kilometers north of Chicago, as a staging area.
Obama expressed concern about the federal government’s growing paramilitary approach. He cited a published interview by New York Times columnist Ezra Klein with journalist Radley Balko, who documented the militarization of law enforcement under Trump.
“This snapshot highlights some disturbing trends regarding the federalization and militarization of local police departments,” Obama said in a social media post. He continued: “The erosion of fundamental rights, such as due process, combined with the expansion of the military presence on U.S. soil, jeopardizes the freedoms of all Americans and should be of concern to both parties.”
Border Chief Tom Homan confirmed ongoing discussions regarding the use of the Illinois Naval Base to bolster immigration enforcement. He emphasized that Chicago continues to face crime problems, recalling President Trump’s promise to restore security across the country.
Since the announcement of the potential deployment of the military and the federal government, political leaders have reacted strongly. Chicago’s Democratic Mayor, Brandon Johnson, called Trump’s threat to deploy the National Guard “misplaced, unjustified, and misguided.”
Contrary to Trump’s description of the city as “in chaos,” Chicago’s latest crime report showed a significant decline in violent crime in the first half of 2025. Violent crime decreased by 21.6%, homicides by 33%, and shootings by 38% compared to the previous year.
Trump has repeatedly criticized cities like Chicago and Washington, D.C., for their crime problems. He recently sent National Guard troops to Washington to support policing efforts, and Guard members have even been seen performing essential tasks like trash collection near the White House.
The Trump administration’s request to use the Great Lakes Naval Station is intended to facilitate a large-scale immigration enforcement operation. This includes logistical support for Immigration, Customs and Border Protection agents, as well as facilities for a tactical command center.
As Chicago’s plans evolve, city officials have expressed a desire for clearer communication from the White House. The potential deployment of federal agents, and possibly National Guard troops, is heightening tensions amid conflicting crime data and political resistance.