Troops in Chicago: What we know, what we don’t know, and what we can do
September 3rd, 2025

Each day it becomes clearer that the Trump regime is sending troops and additional Federal agents to Chicago under the guise of making us safer. We don’t need to tell you all the reasons why this is an unconstitutional power grab intended to terrorize our communities and silence our voices. We ask: what should we do and when? This is especially important given that increased immigration enforcement activity is imminent. This email provides our latest thinking and where to find actions. 

The best ways forward will be seen as the situation on the ground evolves. In all of our actions, Indivisible Chicago is committed to non-violence and to engaging in de-escalation of any potential confrontation with those who disagree with our values. 

What we do know: Today, Governor Pritzker confirmed that Trump has deployed the Texas National Guard to the Great Lakes Naval Base, awaiting possible orders to deploy to Chicago. There are also reports of a large increase of Homeland Security and ICE agents in the area. Among other things, Trump regime officials are expected to target the Mexican Independence Day celebrations taking place September 14th-16th. We know there will be a need for rapid and vocal opposition to these actions and for Chicagoans to resist and peacefully protest these federal actions. A number of different groups will be organizing a range of actions in response to escalated federal activity. We can expect a variety of protests to be organized, and we will decide where Indivisible Chicago will organize or support and where we are not able to lend our support. We also know that there are many different ways to protest and that it is more important than ever to have visibility beyond the Loop. Beyond protest, there will also be a need to assist the immigrant and unhoused communities, who will be targeted. 

What we do not know: At this time, we do not know the full extent of who will be sent to Chicago and where they will be deployed or for how long. We will adjust our plans and actions based on what is occurring. 

What to do  

Be Loud and Be Visible: In the next day or so, we will have signs that you can print to make clear your - and all of Chicago’s - opposition to Trump’s illegal action. Be on alert to this and other actions we will be sharing with you.

Be Ready to Act: We have not organized or signed on to any specific protest at this time; we see how things develop and weigh how we can be most impactful. As with all protests, we urge everyone to weigh their risks and to consider the information in our Safety Guidelines and Tips for Protesters.

Support those Most Impacted: We must show our opposition to Trump’s actions in ways that center and support the most impacted communities. That means standing with those under direct attack through a variety of actions such as: providing mutual aid, sharing signage and educational materials with local businesses, responding rapidly in areas  where ICE is active, and more. Examples are:

Watch for Our Emails and Daily Actions: We will let you know about future actions planned by ICA and by other organizations we work with via our Daily Actions and in future emails like this one. Things change daily so we need to be prepared to act quickly in response. If you have not signed up, please do so at Indivisible Chicago Daily Actions. 

We are proud to plan alongside you as we continue to take action.

Indivisible Chicago Statement on Trump’s Militarization of Chicago (8/26)

We are all hearing and seeing the comments and reports about possible military deployments in Chicago. No one knows what Trump actually will do.  But there are some things we do know and things that we will do.

The recent military deployments in LA and DC - and whatever they plan next - have nothing to do with fighting crime.  Trump’s goal is to consolidate power and enrich himself and those around him, using threats and the military to silence dissent, create fear, divide our communities, and distract people from the harm this regime is doing to our healthcare, environment, and democracy.  Cruelty and authoritarianism are the point of all that he does. He is the threat to our safety, our rights, our communities, and our freedoms.

However, nothing he does ultimately will be successful if we refuse to be silent, refuse to comply and continue to resist and take action. We renew our commitment to non-violent protest and de-escalation, and we will continue to build on the tremendous activism and leadership of all of you.

Here are the things that we can be sure of as we move forward:

We will work together across communities, issues, and organizations to build one movement of resistance in Chicago.  Indivisible Chicago leaders are in communication and engaged in planning with many of the leaders of those communities and organizations. 

We will support each other and especially those communities that are being most targeted by this administration.  We will continue to follow the leadership of those most impacted.  We understand that allyship is a verb – and we are prepared to act through rapid response and mutual aid in ways that are consistent with what those communities want. 

We refuse to be silent.  Protest and non-compliance take many forms - from mass mobilizations, to neighborhood actions and creative visibility efforts.  We believe all of these kinds of actions are important.  Anger, art - even humor – all have their place.  We are doing these things now -- and we will do more of them as events unfold, strategically and in coordination with others.

We will hold our elected officials accountable and uplift those who are actively engaged in the fight alongside us. We are fortunate to live in Illinois and in Chicago, where diversity, rights, and compassion are valued and respected. 

Above all else, we will take action together to resist authoritarianism, protect our communities, and defend democracy.

And know that as specific plans and actions develop, we will keep you informed.  Watch for our emails and Daily Actions.  We need to be ready to respond rapidly. 

We are in this together, and we are glad you are with us.