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 the Trump administration to block the deployment of hundreds of National Guard troops to Chicago, according to Attorney General Kwame Raoul. The move comes after President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that he would be sending 700 soldiers to the city. Raoul accused Trump of using US troops "to punish his political enemies," a claim the White House has denied. In a statement, the White House reiterated that the deployment was necessary to address rising crime rates and protect federal property in Chicago. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has been a vocal opponent of the troop deployment, calling it an attempt by Republicans to "create a war zone" in the city. Pritzker told CNN that Trump's decision was motivated by politics rather than public safety concerns. The lawsuit marks the latest development in a long-standing feud between Illinois and the Trump administration. A federal judge ruled on Sunday that Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, was unlawful, citing concerns over the use of military force against peaceful protesters. Residents of Chicago have been protesting against the presence of federal immigration officers in the city, with some calling for an end to what they see as a "militarization" of local law enforcement. The protests have been largely peaceful, but tensions remain high. The deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago has sparked concerns over civil liberties and the potential for clashes between protesters and military personnel. Critics argue that the move is an attempt by Trump to assert his authority and intimidate opponents ahead of the 2024 presidential election. In a statement, Raoul said: "We will not stand idly by while the President uses our National Guard as a tool for partisan politics." The lawsuit seeks to block the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago until further notice. A hearing is scheduled for later this week in federal court. Background: The Trump administration has been deploying National Guard troops to cities across the US, citing concerns over public safety and property protection. Critics argue that the move is an attempt by Trump to assert his authority and intimidate opponents ahead of the 2024 presidential election. A federal judge ruled on Sunday that Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to Portland was unlawful, citing concerns over the use of military force against peaceful protesters. Additional Perspectives: The White House has maintained that the deployment is necessary to address rising crime rates and protect federal property in Chicago. Pritzker has pushed back against the deployment, arguing that it will only serve to escalate tensions and undermine public safety efforts. Current Status and Next Developments: The lawsuit seeks to block the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago until further notice. A hearing is scheduled for later this week in federal court. The outcome of the lawsuit remains uncertain, but it is likely to have significant implications for the use of military force in domestic law enforcement. *Reporting by Dw.*