President Trump signaled Sunday he may invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy federal forces into U.S. cities facing unrest, following judicial roadblocks to deploying National Guard troops. The potential move escalates a legal and political battle between the administration and state officials over the federal government’s authority to intervene in local law enforcement matters.
The threat comes as several states actively resist federal intervention, citing concerns over constitutional rights and the militarization of civilian spaces. A federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment of national Guard members in Portland for a second time on Sunday, and Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul vowed to challenge any invocation of the insurrection Act. This legal standoff underscores a growing tension between the Trump administration’s desire to project strength and quell protests, and states’ rights to manage thier own affairs.On Sunday, a federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment of National Guard members in Portland for the second time. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul promised to fight in court should President Trump invoke the Insurrection act to deploy military personnel.”There is no insurrection,” Raoul told CNN’s Erin Burnett. “There are peaceful protests,” he added.Raoul specifically cited provocative actions by ICE agents and border patrol, alleging they deployed pepper balls and tear gas against peaceful protesters, journalists, and even Chicago police officers.
Oregon Attorney Dan Rayfield stated his state has been “prepared for this moment” as the beginning of the Trump administration.
Burnett reported Rayfield’s sentiment, adding, “This is the United States. the United States Armed Forces do not belong to our streets unless there are extreme circumstances, and that was what the judge steadfast. Do you want to be creative, Mr. President? We will also be creative and we will see it in court.”
