CHICAGO (RTW) — Leaders in Illinois escalated their conflict with the Trump administration on Monday by filing a lawsuit aimed at the president's planned deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago, a move seen as ramping up federal military involvement in immigration enforcement.
The legal challenge emerged shortly after a judge blocked the deployment of Guard troops in Portland, Oregon, highlighting the growing tension between Democratic states and the Republican-led federal government.
Gov. JB Pritzker voiced strong opposition, framing the federal military presence as an unwarranted 'invasion' of the city and calling for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott to halt his participation in troop deployment, which includes hundreds of Texas Guard members. Pritzker’s lawsuit claims such military action is not only illegal but poses a significant threat to local sovereignty.
In the suit, it states, 'The American people should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military, particularly when their local leadership runs counter to a president’s directives.'
The White House has characterized Chicago as facing 'violent riots and lawlessness' necessitating federal intervention, while local leaders argue that such actions will only exacerbate existing tensions in areas heavily populated by immigrants, particularly Latino communities.
Protests have surged in response to recent enforcement operations that have seen armed agents making arrests in public spaces, stirring fears among residents. In addition, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has enacted an executive order against the use of city property for federal operations related to immigration enforcement.
The situation remains fluid, with immediate implications for Chicago and national discussions surrounding immigration policy, federal authority, and civil rights. As the Department of Homeland Security faces scrutiny over its actions, the ongoing legal proceedings will shape future enforcement dynamics across the nation.
