Screenshot
State and City Leaders Oppose Federal Troop Arrival
CHICAGO, IL — Tensions escalated Monday as Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson announced legal action to block the deployment of 400 Texas National Guard troops to Chicago, a move authorized by President Donald Trump.
As 200 Texas Guard members boarded planes, reportedly bound for Chicago, Illinois officials held a press conference denouncing the federal order. Pritzker labeled the move a “power grab” and accused the administration of attempting to militarize American cities for political reasons.
“Illinois will not let the Trump administration continue on their authoritarian march without resisting,” said Pritzker. “Military troops should not be used against American communities.”
Legal Challenge Filed Against Federalization of Guard
The state of Illinois and city of Chicago jointly filed a lawsuit Monday aiming to block the troop deployment, arguing that federalization of state military forces without proper cause violates constitutional boundaries.
The suit warns that deploying the military for domestic law enforcement threatens the foundational principle separating military force from civilian governance. It also alleges that the Trump administration is attempting to invoke the Insurrection Act under false pretenses to justify military intervention.
Trump, Abbott Defend Decision
President Trump defended the deployment during a press conference, stating he would not invoke the Insurrection Act “yet,” but left open the possibility if violence escalates or state officials obstruct federal operations.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott confirmed his full support of the order, writing on social media that he had authorized the President to call up the National Guard “to ensure safety for federal officials.”
Chicago officials, however, said they were not formally notified about the troop movements. “We have not heard directly from the president or his administration,” said Mayor Johnson, calling the deployment “illegal, unconstitutional, dangerous, and wrong.”
ICE Raid Video Sparks Outrage
To support his criticism, Gov. Pritzker presented a video of a recent Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Chicago’s South Shore neighborhood, which involved more than 100 armed agents and military helicopters. He claimed the footage was filmed for public messaging and social media, referencing a post made by DHS Secretary Kristi Noem.
“They brought Black Hawk helicopters and rappelled onto rooftops in the middle of the night — seemingly for the cameras,” said Pritzker.
He described the event as part of a broader federal strategy to instill fear, justify military action, and manipulate public perception.
Broader Implications for Federalism
Legal analysts and elected officials say the case could set a precedent for the limits of federal authority over state National Guard units and the appropriate use of military force in domestic contexts.
Democrats argue the White House is bypassing both legal norms and constitutional safeguards. Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA) accused the administration of making “illegal threats” and using troops as “pawns.”
Trump-aligned Republicans, however, support the move as a necessary response to Democratic resistance and threats to national order.
Related Coverage
- National News – https://idahonews.co/national-news/
About the Author
