Illinois Sues Trump Over Deployment of National Guard Troops to Chicago

US: Illinois Sues Trump Over Chicago Troop Deployment The state of Illinois filed a lawsuit on Monday against President Donald Trump's administration to block the deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to Chicago. The move comes as Trump announced over the weekend that he would be sending 700 soldiers to the city, sparking widespread protests and criticism from local officials. According to court documents, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul accused Trump of using US troops "to punish his political enemies." Raoul claimed that the deployment was a clear attempt by Trump to exert federal control over the state's affairs. "This is a blatant abuse of power," Raoul said in a statement. "We will not stand idly by while the president attempts to undermine our democracy." The lawsuit also cites a recent federal court ruling that deemed Trump's deployment of troops to Portland, Oregon, as unlawful. The decision was seen as a significant blow to Trump's efforts to use military force to quell protests and unrest in cities across the country. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been a vocal critic of Trump's plans to deploy troops to Chicago. "Republicans are seeking to create a war zone, so that they can send in even more troops," Pritzker told CNN on Sunday. "We will not let them do it." The White House responded to the lawsuit by reiterating its stance on the deployment. "The president has every right to deploy troops to protect American cities from violence and chaos," a spokesperson said. Background context shows that tensions between Trump's administration and Illinois officials have been escalating for months. The state has been at odds with the federal government over issues such as immigration policy, healthcare, and voting rights. Additional perspectives come from local residents who have been protesting against Trump's presence in Chicago. "We don't want to see our city turned into a battleground," said one protester. "This is not what we need right now." The current status of the lawsuit remains uncertain, with both sides expected to engage in lengthy legal battles. The outcome will likely have significant implications for the balance of power between state and federal authorities. As the situation unfolds, residents of Chicago remain on high alert, awaiting further developments from the courts and the White House. *Reporting by Dw.*