Judge Temporarily Blocks Trump's National Guard Mobilization To Chicago
U. S. District Judge April Perry issued a temporary restraining order halting the mobilization of National Guard troops in Illinois, ruling that the federal government did not sufficiently justify their deployment. The order arises from a lawsuit filed by Illinois Attorney General against President Trump's administration, asserting that the mobilization contravenes constitutional limits on military use in civilian law enforcement. Perry highlighted the lack of evidence for rebellion in Illinois and expressed skepticism regarding Homeland Security’s assessments of the situation in Chicago.
Recent legal developments influenced her decision, including rulings that challenged the use of federal force against peaceful protests. Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson hailed the ruling, emphasizing that the presence of the National Guard is unwarranted. Approximately 500 troops had been stationed in the state, with claims that their mission was to protect federal agents. The Justice Department defended the deployment, citing lawful authority to safeguard federal property, but did not clarify operational details during the hearing. This ruling underscores ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities regarding law enforcement and civil rights.