Illinois, Chicago Sue to Block Trump’s Federalization of National Guard

The state of Illinois and city of Chicago filed a lawsuit Monday to block President Trump’s order deploying federalized National Guard troops to Chicago.

The Details: Over the weekend, Trump ordered the federalization of 300 Illinois National Guardsmen to Chicago, and 400 Texas National Guardsmen for deployment to cities like Chicago and Portland, Oregon, which he's criticized for their local leadership. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker opposed this decision, stating that Trump is using the military to create a pretext for invoking the Insurrection Act. The lawsuit argues that the deployment infringes on Illinois's sovereignty and right to self-governance, and that it could lead to increased unrest and economic harm. 

For Context: This federalization of the National Guard comes amid ongoing disputes between Trump and Democratic-led states. According to BBC (Center bias), on Oct. 6, US District Judge Karin Immergut–who was appointed by Trump–temporarily halted Trump from deploying 200 National Guard troops from Texas and California to Oregon. The temporary order expires in 14 days. Trump has previously threatened to send troops into cities he describes as being overrun by violent demonstrations and crime. 

How the Media Covered It: Washington Examiner (Lean Right) covered Pritzker’s criticism of the deployment, and his comment saying Illinois will “use every lever at our disposal to resist this power grab and get Noem’s thugs…out of Chicago.” It included DHS’s response that, “The real thugs are the…pedophiles, rapists, murderers, gang members, and armed robbers–that Pritzker allows to terrorize the people of Illinois.” Block Club Chicago (Left) quoted Pritzker saying, “Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and as pawns in his effort to militarize our cities.” It detailed Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in Chicago, including the use of tear gas and rubber bullets against protestors. Wall Street Journal (Center) wrote, “The president has portrayed his targeted cities in dark terms before ordering in troops.” 

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