Texas National Guard to Return from Illinois Ahead of Thanksgiving, Gov. Abbott Announces

AUSTIN, Texas — November 23, 2025 — Texas National Guard troops currently stationed in Illinois will return to their home state before Thanksgiving, Gov. Greg Abbott said Saturday. The deployment, which sparked debate over the interstate use of the Guard, will conclude with the soldiers and airmen arriving back in Texas in the coming days, according to officials.

Abbott’s announcement came after several weeks of the Guard’s presence in Illinois, where they had been sent to assist with operational support. The deployment was met with criticism from some state lawmakers and residents who questioned the necessity and timing of sending Texas troops out of state.

The governor did not provide specific details on the exact date of the troops’ return but emphasized that the move was planned to ensure their presence at home for the Thanksgiving holiday. Abbott has maintained that the deployment was coordinated with Illinois authorities and was intended to support mutual aid efforts.

The Texas National Guard has a history of being deployed both within the state and across state lines for various missions, including disaster response and security operations. However, interstate deployments can sometimes raise concerns about resource allocation and readiness for emergencies within the home state.

Officials said the Guard members involved had been engaged primarily in logistical and support roles during their time in Illinois. The deployment was part of a broader effort to assist with ongoing operations that required additional manpower.

Critics of the deployment pointed to the timing as problematic, given ongoing challenges within Texas itself, including preparations for winter weather and other potential emergencies. Some lawmakers called for a review of the decision-making process that led to the interstate deployment.

Abbott has defended the move as a demonstration of cooperation between states and a way to strengthen relationships with neighboring regions. He also highlighted the professionalism and dedication of the Guard members throughout the mission.

As the troops prepare to return, state officials are expected to coordinate their reintegration and ensure that the Guard remains ready to respond to any emergencies within Texas during the holiday season and beyond.

The return of the Texas National Guard from Illinois marks the end of a deployment that, while brief, drew attention to the complexities of interstate military support and the balancing of state priorities.