Illinois Urges Supreme Court to Block Trump National Guard Deployment in Chicago

The state of Illinois, along with the city of Chicago, has urged the U.S. Supreme Court to uphold a federal judge's order that blocks President Trump's administration from deploying National Guard troops to Illinois, arguing that the deployment is unnecessary and legally unjustified. Illinois officials contend that there is no rebellion or danger of rebellion warranting federal control of the Guard, and that local law enforcement can manage protest activities without military intervention. The Trump administration had authorized the deployment of hundreds of National Guard members citing the need to combat crime and protect federal officials, but faced pushback from state and local officials who dispute the administration's characterization of the situation. Federal courts, including the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, have so far upheld the temporary restraining order preventing the deployment. Illinois and Chicago warn that the military presence could escalate tensions and disrupt ordinary law enforcement, while the Trump administration argues for federal authority under a law allowing Guard federalization in specific circumstances. The dispute reflects broader tensions over federal versus state control of National Guard forces amidst controversies about immigration enforcement and public safety in major cities.