National Guard Troops Deploy to Chicago Amid Legal Challenges, Sparking Controversy
CHICAGO, IL – hundreds of U.S. National Guard troops began arriving in Chicago on Wednesday, sparking a legal battle and raising constitutional concerns over the Trump administration’s deployment of federal forces to Democratic-controlled cities. The deployment comes as the administration seeks to quell protests and bolster immigration enforcement efforts.
the troops are being stationed at the Army Reserve Training Center, approximately 50 miles southwest of Chicago, where temporary living quarters have been established with trailers and fencing erected late Tuesday. While local officials report receiving limited details regarding the assignments, the administration argues the National Guard’s presence is necessary to address violence, crime, and support deportation initiatives.
national Guard troops have limited authority,focusing on protecting federal officers and property rather than directly enforcing laws or making arrests. the administration has already deployed Guard members to Los angeles, Washington D.C., Memphis, and Portland.However, a federal judge has temporarily blocked deployments to Portland, while the Chicago deployment is currently permitted.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from Illinois officials. Governor J.B. Pritzker accused the Trump administration of an “authoritarian march” and vowed to “use every lever at our disposal to stop this power grab.” Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson echoed these concerns, stating that federalizing National Guard troops from Texas and deploying them to Illinois is “illegal, unconstitutional, and dangerous.” He also signed an executive order Monday banning ICE agents from operating on city-owned properties.
Illinois and Chicago are currently suing to prevent the federalization of National Guard troops from their state and Texas. A hearing in the case is scheduled for Thursday.
The deployments raise important legal questions, as National Guard deployments are typically directed by state governors, and century-old laws restrict the federal government’s use of the military for domestic law enforcement. President Trump has indicated he would consider invoking the 1807 Insurrection Act, which would allow the use of active-duty military personnel for domestic law enforcement, “if the governor can’t do the job,” he stated Tuesday.
The arrival of the troops follows an incident last weekend where a U.S. Border Patrol agent shot and injured a woman after a group allegedly rammed cars into immigration enforcement vehicles, though the government’s account of the event is being contested by the woman’s lawyer. Chicago has recently seen an increase in protests outside U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.
