The U.S. Northern Command confirmed to NBC Chicago Wednesday that hundreds of soldiers from the National Guard were activated and in the Chicago area under a "Federal Protection Mission," with forces set to protect ICE and other government agents.

"These forces will protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other U.S. Government personnel who are performing federal functions, including the enforcement of federal law, and to protect federal property," the U.S. Northern Command website said .

The troops are made up of approximately 200 soldiers from various units of the Texas National Guard, the a description of the mission said, and approximately 300 soldiers from various units of the Illinois National Guard. Both were activated into a "Title 10 status and have arrived in t

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