Illinois, Chicago Sue Trump Administration Over Federalized National Guard Deployment

The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago have filed lawsuits to block President Donald Trump's administration from deploying federalized National Guard troops to Chicago, arguing that the deployment violates the Posse Comitatus Act and the U.S. Constitution's Tenth Amendment by infringing on state authority. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the move as an "invasion" and called on Texas Governor Greg Abbott to prevent the deployment of Texas National Guard troops. The lawsuits assert that the federalization of the National Guard is unlawful and based on a flimsy pretext, citing concerns about economic harm and the illegal use of military force against civilians. The Trump administration defends its actions as lawful, citing ongoing violent riots and the need to protect federal officers and assets. This legal battle follows a similar federal judge's ruling blocking troop deployment in Portland, Oregon, raising broader questions about the federal government's authority to deploy military forces domestically against state objections. Illinois officials emphasize that American citizens should not live under the threat of military occupation simply due to political disagreements with the president.