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Trump Proposes Expanded Travel Ban Targeting 30 Nations

  //travel-leisure.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. es-expanded-travel-ban-targeting-30-nations.html
  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 6:59 GMT by CBS News
      Locales: UNITED STATES, AFGHANISTAN, BELARUS, CONGO, CUBA, IRAQ, IRAN (ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF), KYRGYZSTAN, LIBYAN ARAB JAMAHIRIYA, MYANMAR, NIGERIA, SUDAN, SYRIAN ARAB REPUBLIC, TAJIKISTAN, TURKMENISTAN, UZBEKISTAN, VENEZUELA, YEMEN, Chad, North Korea, Somalia

Chicago, IL - February 17th, 2026 - The political landscape is once again dominated by issues of security and immigration as former President Donald Trump has unveiled a proposal for an expanded travel ban targeting citizens from thirty nations. Simultaneously, a shooting involving a National Guard soldier in Chicago is under investigation, adding another layer of complexity to an already tense national climate.

Trump's Proposed Ban: A Return to Familiar Territory

The proposal, revealed earlier today by a senior official close to Trump, echoes the controversial travel bans enacted during his first term in office. While the specific list of countries remains unconfirmed, sources suggest it will encompass nations across Africa and the Middle East, areas Trump has repeatedly identified as potential sources of terrorism. This move comes amidst growing criticism of the Biden administration's handling of border security and its response to escalating global security concerns, particularly in light of recent events in Eastern Europe and the continued presence of extremist groups in several regions.

This isn't simply a rehash of the original ban. Analysts suggest the expanded scope - covering thirty nations versus the initial seven - indicates a potentially broader approach to national security, potentially fueled by recent intelligence assessments. The original ban, implemented in 2017, faced immediate legal challenges and widespread protests, with opponents arguing it was discriminatory and violated international law. Legal experts anticipate similar challenges to this new proposal, focusing on potential violations of the First Amendment and equal protection clauses.

"We've seen this playbook before," explains Dr. Eleanor Vance, a professor of constitutional law at Northwestern University. "The legal arguments will center on whether the ban is narrowly tailored to serve a compelling government interest - namely, national security - and whether it's applied in a non-discriminatory manner. The broader the list of countries, the more difficult it will be to demonstrate either of those points."

The timing of the announcement is also significant. With the midterm elections looming, Trump is likely aiming to energize his base and position himself as the strong-on-security candidate. However, the proposal also risks further polarizing the electorate and reigniting debates about immigration policy and religious freedom. The details regarding the criteria for inclusion remain opaque, leaving many to speculate about the underlying motivations and potential impacts.

Chicago National Guard Shooting: Details Remain Scarce

In a separate but equally concerning incident, a member of the National Guard discharged a firearm within the city of Chicago. Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting, and the location of the incident has not yet been publicly released. Initial reports indicate no injuries have been sustained.

Chicago Police Department, working in conjunction with military officials, are conducting a thorough investigation to determine what led to the discharge of the weapon. This event raises questions about the training and protocols for National Guard deployments within urban environments, and the potential for escalation in sensitive situations. The National Guard has been increasingly deployed to assist with various civic duties, including disaster relief and security operations, particularly in major cities like Chicago.

"The safety of our citizens is paramount," stated Mayor Johnson in a brief press conference. "We are fully cooperating with the investigation and will ensure that all necessary steps are taken to understand what happened and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future."

The situation is particularly sensitive given the ongoing national conversation about gun violence and police accountability. Any indication of misconduct or negligence could further exacerbate tensions and fuel demands for stricter regulations. The lack of immediate details is contributing to a sense of unease, with citizens demanding transparency and a swift resolution to the investigation.

CBS News Chicago Continues Coverage

CBS News Chicago is committed to providing comprehensive and up-to-date coverage of both the proposed travel ban and the Chicago shooting. We will continue to monitor developments closely and provide our viewers with the latest information as it becomes available. We will also be examining the potential legal and political ramifications of the proposed travel ban, as well as the implications of the Chicago shooting for national security protocols and civil-military relations.