The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago have launched a federal lawsuit aimed at preventing the Trump administration from deploying National Guard troops within the state. This legal action follows a recent court decision in Oregon that temporarily stopped a similar deployment in Portland, highlighting ongoing disputes over federal authority versus state control.
Alleged Violations of Federal Law
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Chicago officials argue that the federal plan to mobilize the National Guard for domestic purposes infringes upon the Tenth Amendment and violates the Posse Comitatus Act. Governor JB Pritzker described the deployment as an inappropriate exercise of federal power and vowed to use all legal avenues to oppose it.
Rising Friction Between State and Federal Officials
This lawsuit comes amid a series of similar challenges in other states, including Oregon and California, where courts have temporarily blocked federal troop movements. Local leaders contend that the presence of federal forces could increase tensions and erode public trust, whereas federal authorities maintain that the deployment is necessary to safeguard federal property and respond to unrest.
Upcoming Court Action
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to respond to Illinois’ complaint within two days and has scheduled a hearing shortly afterward. The case has the potential to set an important precedent regarding the division of authority between state governments and the federal government over National Guard deployments and domestic military operations.
