In a dramatic escalation of tensions, federal troops deployed by the Trump administration clashed with protesters in Chicago over the weekend, resulting in violence and legal challenges.

The deployment of federal forces in Chicago, alongside plans for other Democrat-led cities, has ignited protests, shootings, and a brewing constitutional crisis between the executive branch -- including DHS Secretary Kristi Noem -- and the judiciary, as First Post reports.

The Trump administration, labeling Chicago a "war zone," intensified its push to send federal troops and National Guard units to Democratic strongholds, including Chicago, Los Angeles, and Memphis, despite widespread opposition.

Federal forces arrive for immigration crackdown

Over the weekend, approximately 300 federal troops were dispatched to Chicago as part of an ICE-led immigration operation, sparking immediate public backlash.

Protesters gathered to oppose the presence of federal agents, accusing them of excessive force in civilian neighborhoods, including the use of tear gas on crowds.

Local activist Andrew Denton condemned the response, saying, “There was no reason to use tear gas on the crowd. No one was threatening them in any way.”

Violence erupts in Windy City

During the unrest, U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agents shot and wounded Marimar Martinez, who was allegedly armed, leading to her arrest by the FBI.

Noem defended the agents, claiming they acted in self-defense after being cornered by hostile individuals. She stated, “They had followed them and gotten them cornered, pinned them down and then our agents, when getting out of their cars, they tried to run them over and had semi-automatic handguns on them to where our agents had to protect themselves and shots were fired and an individual ended up in the hospital that was attacking these officers.”

Another person, Anthony Ian Ruiz, was also detained for reportedly being part of a convoy trailing the federal agents during the incident.

Protests intensify amid detentions

The Department of Homeland Security described Martinez and other protesters as "domestic terrorists," alleging they escalated violence by hurling rocks, bottles, and smoke at law enforcement.

DHS issued a statement saying, "The scene became increasingly violent as more domestic terrorists gathered and began throwing smoke, gas, rocks, and bottles at DHS law enforcement." Amid the chaos, Chicago Alderperson Jessie Fuentes was detained while questioning an ICE operation at a local hospital, further fueling public outrage.

Local leaders demand federal withdrawal

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson sharply criticized the federal deployment, calling for investigations and the immediate removal of troops from the city.

Pritzker accused the administration of instigating conflict, stating, “They are the ones who are making it a war zone. They need to get out of Chicago.” He also dismissed Noem’s remarks, saying she “doesn’t know what she’s talking about. People are booing her on the street.”

Legal battles halt new deployments

Meanwhile, similar federal plans faced resistance in other regions, with Kristi Noem requesting troops be sent to Portland, Oregon, only to encounter legal roadblocks.

U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut issued a temporary block on deploying the National Guard to Portland, warning of government overreach and risks to state autonomy. She noted, “This country has a longstanding and foundational tradition of resistance to government overreach, especially in the form of military intrusion into civil affairs.”

The Trump administration moved to appeal the decision through the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, signaling a deepening conflict between federal and judicial powers.

Community concerns over ongoing tensions

Back in Chicago, local voices expressed frustration with federal actions, with activist Jonny Bishop accusing ICE of operating without accountability. Bishop stated, “ICE acts with impunity. They know that they can shoot at us. They can tear gas us. And Broadview Police Department is not going to do anything.”

As protests persist and legal battles unfold, the situation in Chicago and beyond remains a flashpoint for debates over federal authority and civil rights.