DHS leaves command center at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago, city officials say

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. (WLS) -- The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has left its "Operation Midway Blitz" command center at Naval Station Great Lakes, city officials confirmed to ABC7 Chicago Sunday.

The video in the player above is from a previous report.

The development comes as 200 federalized Texas National Guard members also vacated the base this week, and Customs and Border Protection Cmdr. Greg Bovino also left the Chicago area, being seen during a new surge in immigration enforcement in Charlotte, North Carolina.

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The Texas National Guard members sent to Chicago were returning to their home states, two U.S. officials told ABC News on Saturday.

The federalized Guard troops arrived to the Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago in early October, but they never deployed operationally because of legal challenges that continue playing out in court.

DHS was using the command center at Naval Station Great Lakes as it conducted a surge in immigration enforcement across the Chicago area.

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An official with the City of North Chicago shared the following statement with ABC7 Chicago on Sunday:
"Mayor Leon Rockingham is pleased to report that the Department of Homeland Security has left its command center at Naval Station Great Lakes in North Chicago. The City of North Chicago was informed of the closure late Friday afternoon, November 14, 2025, according to Gregory Jackson, Chief of Staff.
"The departure comes two months after the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) first secured the property to support 'Operation Midway Blitz,' President Donald Trump's escalated deportation campaign in the Chicago area. The Command Center at Naval Station Great Lakes provided office space, parking spots, and portable laundry units to the federal agents. It has also functioned as a training and storage facility.
"In October, DHS officials said it planned to use the North Chicago command center through at 'least December.' The early departure ends weeks of turmoil and disruption to daily life. Mayor Rockingham and the City Council wish to thank and acknowledge the heroic efforts of the entire North Chicago community who worked together tirelessly to keep everyone safe and informed about ICE's actions in the community. The spirit of neighbor helping neighbor sustains all of us in times of need. WE ARE STRONGER TOGETHER."

The Texas Guard members had been activated on federal orders by President Donald Trump in early October and placed on an active duty Title 10 status.

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Texas will maintain a force of 200 members who have all volunteered for the mission, according to one of the U.S. officials.

The 200 members of the Illinois National Guard who had also been federalized by President Donald Trump to operate in Chicago will remain on active duty, said the official.

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's office shared the following statement with ABC7 Chicago Saturday evening:
"While there are reports the Texas guard is leaving, the Trump Administration is also saying they will keep federalizing national guards to "ensure a constant, enduring, and long-term presence" in cities. This confirms what we have always known: this is about normalizing military forces in American cities.

"Illinois will continue fighting for our state sovereignty, protecting people's rights, and keeping our communities peaceful.

"And, as we have said since the beginning...

"No, the Trump Administration does not provide the Governor's office updates on military movements within our state. There has never been a serious willingness from the federal government to coordinate or cooperate with the state."

ABC News contributed to this report.