Appeals Court Ruling Blocks Trump's National Guard Deployment in Chicago
A federal appeals court has ruled that the Trump administration cannot deploy National Guard troops on the streets of Chicago, dealing a significant blow to the president's efforts to quell protests and immigration enforcement operations in the city.
The decision, issued Monday by the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, came after state and local officials filed a lawsuit challenging the federal government's attempt to take control of National Guard troops in Illinois. The court ruled that the deployment was unlawful and posed a significant risk to public safety.
"We are pleased with the court's decision," said Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who had joined other city officials in opposing the deployment. "This ruling affirms our position that the federal government overstepped its authority and put Chicagoans at risk."
The Trump administration had sought to deploy National Guard troops to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who have been carrying out Operation Midway Blitz, an enforcement effort aimed at arresting undocumented immigrants. However, critics have accused ICE of racial profiling and using excessive force against protesters and journalists.
"This is a victory for the people of Chicago," said Maria Rodriguez, executive director of the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. "We will continue to fight against any attempts to militarize our communities and undermine the rights of immigrants."
The deployment had sparked widespread criticism from local officials, community leaders, and human rights groups, who argued that it would exacerbate tensions and lead to further violence.
"The use of National Guard troops in a domestic law enforcement capacity is unprecedented and raises serious concerns about the erosion of civil liberties," said American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) attorney David Cole. "We are relieved that the court has blocked this ill-conceived plan."
The ruling marks the latest setback for the Trump administration's efforts to deploy National Guard troops in response to protests and immigration enforcement operations. In 2020, a federal judge blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., citing concerns about the potential for civil unrest.
The decision is expected to be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court, but for now, it represents a significant victory for local officials and community leaders who have fought against the deployment.
In related news, the Illinois General Assembly has introduced legislation aimed at limiting the use of National Guard troops in domestic law enforcement operations. The bill, which is currently pending in committee, would require state approval before deploying National Guard troops in response to civil unrest or immigration enforcement efforts.
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the deployment of National Guard troops on Chicago's streets has been blocked, at least for now.
*Reporting by Motherjones.*
