Security increased around National Guard base in Elwood as activity draws public’s attention

One day after federalized members of the Texas National Guard arrived at the Joliet Area Army Reserve Training Center in Elwood, security was increased around the facility, limiting visibility for the public and the media.

The Department of Defense on Tuesday confirmed that 200 troops from the Texas National Guard had arrived in Illinois after being federalized under the orders of President Donald Trump.

However, it was not confirmed how many of those troops have been stationed at the Elwood facility, which is being used to house the troops after Gov. JB Pritzker prohibited the Trump administration from using Illinois National Guard armories, including the facility in Joliet.

Members of the news media and the public were not allowed onto the Army Reserve property Tuesday, but had a clear view into the facility through a cyclone fence along Arsenal Road.

That changed Wednesday.

Temporary fencing was seen being erected along Arsenal Road on Tuesday afternoon, which now extends around the entire property.

Workers were adding black plastic tarps to the permanent fencing on Wednesday afternoon, reducing the ability of passing vehicles, as well as members of the media and local residents, to see activity on the base.

Armed guards were stationed at the main entrance of the base Wednesday, and Elwood police cars were parked at every access point to prevent civilians from entering the property.

The Elwood Police Department did not return The Herald-News’ requests for comment on its involvement in security.

Despite the lack of visibility, activity could be heard from Arsenal Road.

Shouts of soldiers running drills could be heard periodically, and groups of armed soldiers could occasionally be seen walking to and from the back of the property.

The new activity at the base has begun to draw public attention.

Several protesters were present on Arsenal Road on Wednesday, some holding signs and others hurling obscenities at military personnel.

“It’s scary,” said Adam Ehlers, a Manhattan resident who came out to Elwood to see what was happening.

Ehlers said the mobilization of the Texas troops into Illinois “just doesn’t feel right.” He said he hoped to see a strong response from Pritzker.

“I trust Pritzker, I always have,” Ehlers said. “But he was saying he wouldn’t let this happen, but I’m standing here and I see the National Guard here from Texas, so now what?”

The Herald-News reached out to U.S. Northern Command for information about plans for the National Guard Troops in Illinois, but did not receive a response.

North Comm’s website had no news releases about the operation available or more information beyond the defense department’s original statement.