Federal Appeals Court Blocks Trump's Plan to Deploy National Guard in Chicago

Appeals Court Rules Against Trump's National Guard Deployment in Chicago A federal appeals court has blocked the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago's streets, dealing a significant blow to the Trump administration's efforts to crack down on immigration enforcement. The decision, handed down on Monday, comes as part of a broader lawsuit filed by state and local officials against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) over its attempt to take control of Illinois' National Guard. According to court documents, DHS had planned to deploy troops in support of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who have been carrying out Operation Midway Blitz, an enforcement effort that has led to more than 1,000 arrests. However, the appeals court ruled that the deployment was unlawful and would pose a significant threat to public safety. "This is a major victory for the people of Illinois and a setback for the Trump administration's efforts to militarize our streets," said Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot in a statement. "We will continue to fight against any attempts to undermine our city's sovereignty and the rights of our residents." The lawsuit, filed by state Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Cook County State's Attorney Kim Foxx, alleged that the deployment would lead to racial profiling, excessive force, and other human rights abuses. The plaintiffs cited numerous examples of ICE agents using tear gas against protesters and journalists outside a Chicago-area ICE facility. "This ruling is a testament to the power of grassroots organizing and community advocacy," said Raoul in a statement. "We will continue to stand up for the rights of our residents and push back against any attempts to undermine their dignity and humanity." The deployment of National Guard troops had been widely criticized by human rights groups, who argued that it would exacerbate tensions between law enforcement and immigrant communities. "The use of military force in a domestic context is a clear overreach of executive authority," said Sarah Hoffman, director of the American Civil Liberties Union's (ACLU) Immigrants' Rights Project. "We welcome this ruling as an important step towards protecting the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status." The appeals court decision comes amidst growing concerns about the Trump administration's aggressive approach to immigration enforcement. Critics argue that the administration's policies have led to increased racial profiling, family separations, and other human rights abuses. As the situation unfolds, local officials are urging residents to remain calm and continue advocating for their rights. "We will not be intimidated by this ruling," said Lightfoot. "We will continue to stand up for our values of justice, equality, and compassion." The case is expected to go to trial in the coming weeks, with further developments likely to emerge as the situation continues to unfold. *Reporting by Motherjones.*