The Trump administration has officially requested military cooperation from the Pentagon to support immigration enforcement efforts in the Chicago region, according to a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) memo that journalist Ken Klippenstein was able to get. With this proposal, the utilization of government resources for domestic immigration control has significantly increased.
What Is Specifically Requested?
DHS has made a direct request to the Department of Defense (DoD) in the document, “Request for Department of Defense Assistance in Support of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Removal Operations at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois.” It seeks infrastructure and logistical support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.
Infrastructure and logistical support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel are sought after.
The requested military support, according to officials, is “essential to guaranteeing the effective and safe processing of foreigners.” This would involve using federal property for the core functions of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
What Exactly Does the Request Ask For?
The document, titled “Request for Department of Defense Assistance in Support of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Removal Operations at Naval Station Great Lakes, Illinois,” is a direct appeal from DHS to the Department of Defense (DoD). It seeks infrastructure and logistical support for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) personnel.
Officials described the requested military assistance as “critical to ensuring the efficient and secure handling of aliens.” This would involve using federal property for the core functions of ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
Why Was Naval Station Great Lakes Chosen?
The memo singles out Naval Station Great Lakes, located near North Chicago, as the preferred central hub for this operation. The justification is based on its practical assets, not its military function.
The base’s proximity to major highways, on-site fuel supplies, and existing logistical infrastructure are cited as key reasons. DHS envisions the station becoming the operational backbone for the detention, processing, and eventual removal of individuals in the Chicago Area of Responsibility.
What Legal Authority Is Being Cited?
This move is framed as one of the first major implementations of several executive orders and proclamations signed by President Trump on his first day back in office, January 20, 2025.
The memo specifically points to:
- Executive Order 14167: Which clarifies the military’s role in protecting U.S. territorial integrity.
- Presidential Proclamation 10886: Which declares a national emergency at the southern border.
- Executive Order 14165, “Securing Our Borders”: Used as justification for deploying DoD facilities to directly support ICE operations.
What Are the Potential Implications?
This request is poised to ignite a fierce debate over the long-standing principle of limiting military involvement in domestic law enforcement, a tradition known as posse comitatus.
However, proponents are anticipated to argue that the current border crisis qualifies as a national security emergency and support the use of all government properties, including military bases, to bring about order.However, proponents are anticipated to argue that the current border crisis qualifies as a national security emergency and support the use of all government properties, including military bases, to bring about order.
Also Read: Who is Judge Allison Burroughs, the Obama Appointee Who Checked Trump on Harvard?
What Happens Next?
The Department of Defense has not yet issued a public response to the request. Whether Naval Station Great Lakes, best known as the Navy’s sole boot camp, will assume a new and contentious role as a center for immigration enforcement in the Midwest depends on its decision.
The move signals the administration’s intent to leverage every tool at its disposal, including military infrastructure, to advance its immigration agenda.
