Background & Context
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated that President Trump cannot legally invoke the Insurrection Act to deploy National Guard troops in Chicago unless there is an actual insurrection or rebellion. Pritzker emphasized that the Act requires a genuine uprising, not just a desire to fight crime.
The White House argues that the deployment is necessary to protect federal agents and facilities, not to address an insurrection. The Department of Homeland Security announced increased operations in Chicago and other cities, targeting rioters and Antifa members.
Legal Actions
- The Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a ruling denying the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago.
- The Trump administration was granted a temporary stay to keep the National Guard under federal control.
- Illinois and Chicago sued to block the Trump administration from deploying federalized National Guard troops. Gov. Pritzker called it “Trump’s Invasion,” noting it started with federal agents and expanded to National Guard members against state wishes. (NBC News)
- Judges’ orders in Chicago and Portland were described as a “clear and forceful rebuttal to President Trump’s misuse of states’ National Guard.”
- A federal judge ordered the removal of a fence outside the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois.
Political Reactions
- Gov. Pritzker criticized the Trump administration’s inconsistent defense of deploying National Guard troops to Chicago. (Yahoo News)
- Vice President JD Vance stated Trump was weighing “all of his options” regarding the Insurrection Act, which allows presidents to deploy military forces to restore order or enforce federal law. Trump said he would invoke the Act “if it was necessary.” The legal battle has sparked national debate about federal power, state sovereignty, and military use in civil unrest. (Newsweek)
Key Quotes
“There has to be a rebellion. There has to be an insurrection in order for him to be allowed to invoke it.” — Gov. JB Pritzker
“If the Constitution means anything, the Insurrection Act cannot be invoked to send them in because they want to fight crime.”
“President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities and we expect to be vindicated by a higher court.” — White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson
Community Response
- ICE agents were seen in Chicago neighborhoods, leading to community concern and local leaders planning a press conference to condemn ICE actions.
- Local leaders and parishioners expressed concern over ICE agent activity in Chicago neighborhoods.
- A press conference was planned to condemn ICE actions and show solidarity.
- A federal judge ordered the removal of a fence outside the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, which local officials said blocked a public road and threatened public safety. The fence remained as of Monday morning.
References
- CBS Chicago Article
- Federal Appeals Court Ruling
- ICE Agents Spotted Near Rogers Park Church
- Broadview Officials Demand Fence Removal
- NBC News: National Guard Resistance
- Yahoo News: Pritzker Points to Trump Inconsistencies
- Newsweek: Trump Weighs Insurrection Act Options
Tags: Donald Trump, JB Pritzker, National Guard, Insurrection Act, Chicago, ICE, DHS, Federal Court