On a sunny Labor Day this year, visitors to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. encountered an unexpected sight: camo-clad, armed troops positioned around some of the capital’s most frequented monuments. An eyewitness account describes soldiers near the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Reflecting Pool, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial—an overt military presence just seven months into President Donald Trump’s tenure.

More than 150 federal agents and possible National Guard troops could descend on Chicago as early as Friday—local leaders promise to “hold the line.” 

Chicago, IL — Talk of a rapid federal deployment is sweeping the Windy City. Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says Homeland Security agents and National Guard units may be “assembled, ready to go” by Friday, with expanded ICE operations beginning Saturday. For anyone flying into O’Hare, rolling down Lakeshore Drive, or checking into a downtown hotel, the big question is simple: how will this shake-up affect my trip? 

What the New $250 Visa Integrity Fee Means for International Visitors

A new “Visa Integrity Fee” of $250 will soon become part of the price of entering the United States on nearly every non-immigrant visa. This surcharge, authorized under the recently signed One Big Beautiful Bill Act, is scheduled to take effect in 2026 and will be adjusted each year for inflation. For travelers, students, and temporary workers alike, the fee functions like a security deposit: pay it up front, and—if you meet a narrow set of departure or status-adjustment rules—you may qualify for a refund.