CHICAGO, Ill. — In a recent deployment, several National Guard members hailing from Central Illinois have been dispatched to Chicago under orders from the federal government.

The U.S. Northern Command, which oversees these National Guard troops in Chicago, confirmed that the deployment will last for 60 days. During this period, the troops will report to the Commander of U.S. Northern Command, operating under federal rather than state authority.

Although the Northern Command did not provide a detailed breakdown of troop numbers from each armory in Central Illinois, they confirmed that personnel from this region are included in the Chicago deployment.

The mission for these soldiers is to safeguard personnel from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other federal agencies performing governmental duties. Their responsibilities also include protecting federal property and assisting in the enforcement of federal laws, according to a statement from the Northern Command.