Illinois Files Lawsuit to Block Trump Plans Deploying Federalized National Guard to Chicago

The state of Illinois has filed a lawsuit against President Trump and his administration to block the deployment of federalized National Guard troops to Chicago, challenging the constitutionality of the move and citing violations of state sovereignty under the Tenth Amendment. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and Governor J.B. Pritzker argue that the federalization and deployment of troops, including those from Texas, infringes on Illinois's right to self-governance and could exacerbate social unrest, harm community relations, and negatively impact the state's economy. The lawsuit contends that the deployment is a punitive action due to Illinois's disagreement with the president's immigration policies, particularly his mass deportation efforts. This legal challenge follows similar actions in other cities, such as Portland, where a federal judge temporarily blocked troop deployment. The Trump administration has previously deployed National Guard units to other cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., amid heightened immigration enforcement and protests. Illinois officials emphasize that policing and crime control are fundamental state responsibilities and that federalizing the National Guard undermines this principle.