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Legislators

Illinois Senators and Representative Demand Answers on Naval Station Great Lakes Staging Location for DHS

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth, Senator Dick Durbin, and Representative Brad Schneider are expressing their opposition to the Administration's decision to use Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) as a staging location for support to federal law enforcement operations in Illinois. The lawmakers are concerned that this decision undermines the integrity of the base's mission as a training facility for the U.S. Navy and could hinder the military's readiness while sparking confusion and fear in the communities they represent.

Key Takeaways:

  • The lawmakers are demanding written confirmation from the Secretary of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security regarding the use of NSGL for support to federal law enforcement operations.
  • They are requesting documentation regarding DoD's approval of DHS's Request for Assistance, including written confirmation of the start and end date of DHS presence on NSGL.
  • The lawmakers are concerned that DHS refused to meet with them when they visited NSGL, and that the agencies they oversee are operating in secrecy.
  • They are asking for written confirmation that no resources currently allocated to or personnel stationed at NSGL will be redirected to support DHS's activities.
  • The lawmakers are opposing any wasteful diversion of attention and taxpayer dollars away from the core mission of NSGL and any other military installations toward unrelated law enforcement activities.
  • They are requesting copies of all formal or informal communications between DHS and DoD discussing requests for DHS support at NSGL since January 2025.
  • The lawmakers are also seeking written confirmation that no individuals apprehended by DHS will be detained on NSGL, and that no housing accommodations will be provided to DHS personnel.

Statistics:

  • According to the lawmakers, DHS requested DoD assistance at NSGL on August 28, 2025, including office spaces and storage of less than lethal munitions for DHS personnel.
  • The lawmakers visited NSGL on August 29, 2025, and were denied a meeting with DHS officials.
  • According to the lawmakers, DoD support to DHS at NSGL will be confined to reimbursable support in the form of storage for non-lethal munitions and office space.

Sources:

  • [Senator Tammy Duckworth's letter to the Secretary of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security](https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-schneider-express-opposition-to-advertisement-of-naval-station-great-lakes-as-staging-location-for-dhs-support)
  • [Press release from Senator Tammy Duckworth's office](https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-schneider-express-opposition-to-advertisement-of-naval-station-great-lakes-as-staging-location-for-dhs-support)

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