Under the early morning skies of October 7, about 200 Texas National Guard soldiers assembled at an Army Reserve center near Chicago, kicking off a deployment that has sparked a fierce debate over the role of military forces in civil spaces.
Theyll soon join some 300 Illinois Guard members, all tasked with supporting local authorities during ongoing demonstrations. But Chicagos Democratic mayor and other officials argue the move risks heightening tensions instead of calming streets.
President Trump has previously sent Guard units to Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., and Memphis and has plans for Portland as well warning hes ready to invoke emergency powers if the courts block his orders.
For globally minded readers, this U.S. deployment raises a broader question: how should governments balance public safety and the right to protest? As digital activism spreads across borders, young changemakers and policy experts alike are watching closely.
This story is evolving. Well keep you posted on how the troops arrival shapes Chicagos streets and what it means for democratic movements around the world.
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National Guard troops from Texas arrive at army base near Chicago
cgtn.com
