Illinois and Chicago Sue Trump Administration Over National Guard Deployment
The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago have filed a federal lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to block the deployment of National Guard troops to the region. The lawsuit argues that the move would amount to an occupation by the US military, threatening the rights and safety of residents.
According to NPR News, the parties are asking a judge to block the Trump administration from federalizing the Illinois National Guard and from sending to Illinois any guard members from other states. This development comes amidst a broader controversy over President Trump's use of National Guard troops in response to perceived threats from cities with Democratic leadership.
The lawsuit was filed on October 6, 2025, by Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who have been vocal critics of the Trump administration's efforts to deploy the National Guard to their city. In a statement, Pritzker said, "We will not stand idly by while our residents' rights are threatened by an occupation by the US military." According to NPR News, the governor and mayor are seeking a court order to block the deployment of National Guard troops.
The Trump administration's decision to deploy the National Guard to Illinois has been met with opposition from local leaders and civil liberties groups. "This is not about public safety; this is about politics," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement. "We will fight this lawsuit with every fiber of our being." According to NPR News, the mayor and governor are concerned that the deployment would lead to an erosion of trust between law enforcement and the community.
The controversy surrounding the National Guard deployment has sparked a heated debate over the role of the military in domestic law enforcement. Critics argue that deploying troops to cities with Democratic leadership is a thinly veiled attempt by President Trump to exert control over local governments. According to NPR News, this move would set a dangerous precedent for future administrations.
The lawsuit filed by Illinois and Chicago seeks to block the deployment of National Guard troops until further notice. A hearing on the matter has been scheduled for later this month. As the situation unfolds, residents of Illinois and Chicago remain concerned about the potential impact on their communities.
Background information and context:
President Trump's decision to deploy the National Guard to cities with Democratic leadership has sparked controversy across the country. Critics argue that this move is a form of "militarization" of local law enforcement, which can lead to an erosion of trust between police and the community. According to NPR News, this development comes amidst a broader trend of increased militarization of domestic law enforcement.
Expert opinions:
"This is not about public safety; it's about politics," said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in a statement. "We will fight this lawsuit with every fiber of our being." According to Pritzker, the governor and mayor are concerned that the deployment would lead to an occupation by the US military, threatening the rights and safety of residents.
Current status and next steps:
The lawsuit filed by Illinois and Chicago seeks to block the deployment of National Guard troops until further notice. A hearing on the matter has been scheduled for later this month. As the situation unfolds, residents of Illinois and Chicago remain concerned about the potential impact on their communities.
This story was compiled from reports by NPR News and BREAKING: NPR News.