Sign in Subscribe
Legislators

Senators Demand Answers on Use of Naval Station Great Lakes for Law Enforcement Operations

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), and U.S. Representative Brad Schneider (D-IL-10) are expressing opposition to the Trump Administration's use of Naval Station Great Lakes (NSGL) for support to federal law enforcement operations in Illinois. The senators and representative have sent a letter to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem requesting written confirmation on the use of NSGL, citing concerns about the decision's impact on the military's readiness and the potential for partisan ends to be pursued over national interest.

Key Takeaways:

  • The senators and representative are concerned that the decision to designate NSGL as a staging location for DHS personnel will hinder the military's readiness and spark confusion and fear in the communities they represent.
  • They are requesting written confirmation on the following:

+ Documentation regarding DoD's approval of DHS's Request for Assistance to include written confirmation of the start and end date of DHS presence on NSGL and written confirmation that any such presence will be funded entirely by DHS.

+ Copies of all formal or informal communications between DHS and DoD discussing requests for DHS support at NSGL since January 2025.

+ Copies of all internal DoD records and DHS records discussing the range of possible requests for NSGL related support to Federal law enforcement.

  • The senators and representative are concerned that DoD's support is based on verbal agreements instead of standard written ones, which can lead to mission creep and a lack of transparency and accountability.
  • They are urging the agencies to reverse the decision to allow a staging presence for DHS at NSGL and any other military installation in Illinois.

Statistics:

  • The request for written confirmation on the use of NSGL is due by September 18, 2025.
  • By August 28, 2025, DHS requested DoD assistance at NSGL, including office spaces and storage of less than lethal munitions for DHS personnel.
  • There have been no official notifications from DoD about the approval of this request or any associated plans.
  • The senators and representative visited NSGL on September 11, 2025, and were denied a meeting with DHS officials, with the agencies' doors being locked to prevent access.

Sources:

  • Senator Tammy Duckworth's website - September 11, 2025 press release: "Duckworth, Durbin, Schneider Press Trump Administration for Answers, Written Confirmation on Use of Naval Station Great Lakes"
  • Original text here: https://www.duckworth.senate.gov/news/press-releases/duckworth-durbin-schneider-press-trump-administration-for-answers-written-confirmation-on-use-of-naval-station-great-lakes

Read more