President Trump is moving to federalize the Illinois National Guard, according to Governor J.B. Pritzker. The Trump administration’s Department of Homeland Security requested the deployment of troops to protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities. Trump has publicly stated intentions to use cities like Chicago as military training grounds, criticizing local leadership as incompetent.
This action follows similar moves in other states:
- Portland, Oregon: Trump directed federal troops to the city, citing the need to protect ICE facilities from attacks. Oregon has sued to stop the federalization of its National Guard, with a court ruling expected soon.
- Los Angeles, California: Trump federalized the National Guard and sent Marines to the city in June amid protests over immigration policy. A federal judge ruled the deployment illegal in September, but the decision is paused pending appeal.
- Washington, D.C.: Trump took control of the city’s police force and deployed the National Guard in August, despite strong local opposition.
- Memphis, Tennessee: Unlike other states, Tennessee’s Republican governor welcomed the National Guard deployment.
Most deployments have targeted Democratic-led states, often over the objections of governors and mayors. The Trump administration claims these actions are necessary for public safety, while critics argue they represent federal overreach and an attempt to create a national police force.
Key Quotes
- Pritzker: “This morning, the Trump Administration’s Department of War gave me an ultimatum.”
- Trump: “We’re going into Chicago very soon. That’s a big city with an incompetent governor, stupid governor.”
- Stephen Miller (White House adviser): “You are unleashed.”
Legal and Political Context
- Federal judges have challenged the legality of some deployments, but appeals are ongoing.
- Lawsuits have been filed by Oregon and Washington, D.C. to block federalization of their National Guards.
- The majority of D.C. residents oppose Trump’s actions, even as the White House claims crime is down.
Sources
- Pritzker blasts plan for National Guard deployment
- Trump: Military cities as training ground
- Trump sends federal troops to Portland
- Oregon sues to block Trump National Guard order
- Trump deploys Marines to Los Angeles
- Federal judge rules LA deployment illegal
- Trump takes control of D.C. police
- D.C. residents oppose Trump’s effort
- D.C. sues White House
- Tennessee welcomes National Guard