Illinois Sues Trump Administration Over National Guard Deployment in Chicago, Federal Clash Escalates

Illinois state and Chicago city leaders have initiated legal action against the Trump administration to prevent the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago. This move intensifies the ongoing conflict between Democratic-led states and the Republican administration, which is conducting an aggressive immigration enforcement operation in the nation’s third-largest city.

The lawsuit was filed on Monday, just hours after a federal judge in Portland, Oregon, blocked a similar Guard deployment there. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, condemned the president’s actions, stating, “Donald Trump is using our service members as political props and as pawns in his illegal effort to militarize our nation’s cities.” A court hearing for the Illinois case is scheduled for Thursday.

The legal challenge follows a volatile weekend in Chicago, which saw a woman shot by a federal agent after Border Patrol vehicles were reportedly ambushed. Mayor Brandon Johnson responded on Monday by signing an executive order prohibiting federal immigration agents from using city-owned properties as staging areas for their operations.

The Trump administration portrays cities like Chicago as lawless amidst its immigration crackdown, asserting the need for federal intervention. However, Illinois and Oregon officials argue that military involvement is unnecessary and only exacerbates tensions. Governor Pritzker referred to the potential deployment of 300 Illinois Guard troops and 400 from Texas as “Trump’s invasion,” urging Texas Governor Greg Abbott to intervene. Governor Abbott, a Republican, defended the crackdown as essential for protecting federal workers.

Separately, the ACLU of Illinois filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Trump administration and various federal agencies, alleging a campaign of violence and intimidation against peaceful protesters and journalists near an immigration facility. Federal officials have reported arrests and acknowledged the use of force, including tear gas, during recent demonstrations.

The precedent set in Portland, where a judge granted a temporary restraining order against Guard deployment, underscores the legal battle’s significance. Federal agents have faced criticism for their tactics during protests, but officials maintain their actions are in response to illegal activities.

阅读中文版 (Read Chinese Version)

Disclaimer: This content is aggregated from public sources online. Please verify information independently. If you believe your rights have been infringed, contact us for removal.