Texas National Guard Set to Return Home from Chicago, Sources Confirm
Texas National Guard personnel stationed in Chicago are expected to depart the city and return to their home state within the coming days, a source familiar with the logistical planning told CNN. The troops have been in Chicago for several weeks, awaiting the resolution of a legal dispute that has delayed their withdrawal.
The deployment, which began earlier this year, was originally intended as a temporary measure to support local law‑enforcement agencies during a period of heightened public safety concerns. Officials described the presence of the Guard as a supplemental resource aimed at bolstering security while city officials coordinated additional staffing and resources. Over the course of the assignment, the Guard units have taken part in routine patrols, traffic control, and community outreach efforts, operating under the command of both state and federal authorities.
The court battle that stalled the withdrawal centered on questions of jurisdiction and the extent of state‑level military assistance in a major metropolitan area outside its borders. Legal experts noted that similar cases have often required detailed negotiations between state governors, the Department of Defense, and local governments to clarify command structures and funding responsibilities. After a series of hearings, a preliminary ruling cleared the way for the Guard to begin the phased exit, pending final administrative approvals.
State officials indicated that the return of the troops will be coordinated to ensure a smooth transition and to avoid any gaps in public safety coverage. They also emphasized that the Guard remains ready to respond to future requests for assistance, should circumstances arise. Local authorities in Chicago have thanked the Texas National Guard for its contributions during the deployment and are preparing to assume full responsibility for ongoing security operations. The upcoming departure marks the conclusion of a collaborative effort that, despite legal complexities, demonstrated inter‑state cooperation in addressing urban safety challenges.
