Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment to Chicago in Trump Administration Clash

A federal judge has temporarily blocked the deployment of National Guard troops to the Chicago area, challenging the Trump administration's efforts to use military forces in domestic law enforcement amid ongoing immigration protests.

On October 9, 2025, U.S. District Judge April Perry issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) halting the deployment for two weeks. The administration had planned to deploy approximately 500 National Guard members from Texas and Illinois to support federal immigration enforcement efforts in Chicago, citing a "danger of rebellion" in Illinois. Judge Perry found no substantial evidence supporting this claim and ruled that the deployment violated the 10th and 14th Amendments, as well as the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits the military's role in domestic law enforcement.

The Posse Comitatus Act, enacted in 1878, restricts the use of federal military personnel to enforce domestic policies within the United States. The 10th Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, while the 14th Amendment guarantees equal protection under the law. Judge Perry's ruling suggests that the federal deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois without state consent violates these constitutional provisions.

Illinois officials, including Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, strongly opposed the deployment. Governor Pritzker stated, "Donald Trump is not a king — and his administration is not above the law. Today, the court confirmed what we all know: there is no credible evidence of a rebellion in the state of Illinois." Mayor Johnson called the ruling "a win for the people of Chicago and the rule of law," adding, "Trump’s deployment is illegal, unconstitutional, dangerous, and unnecessary. There is no rebellion in Chicago. There are just good people standing up for what is right."

The deployment plan involved stationing National Guard troops near a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in Broadview, a Chicago suburb that has been a focal point for protests. The Department of Homeland Security argued that the deployment was necessary to protect federal personnel and property from what they described as "domestic terrorists and violent rioters." However, Judge Perry expressed skepticism about the federal government's characterization of the protests, noting that the Department of Homeland Security's narrative was "simply unreliable."

This ruling is part of a broader national debate over the federal government's authority to deploy military forces in states without their consent, especially in response to civil protests. Similar legal challenges have occurred in other states, reflecting ongoing tensions between state and federal authorities regarding control over state-based military forces. For instance, in Portland, Oregon, a federal appeals court recently heard arguments over whether the Trump administration had the authority to deploy 200 federalized members of the Oregon National Guard. The state argued that the deployment was part of a nationwide campaign to assimilate the military into civilian law enforcement and was based on inaccurate information about conditions in Portland.

The temporary restraining order is set to expire on October 23, 2025, unless extended by the court. Judge Perry scheduled the next hearing for October 22 to consider whether to prolong the restraining order. The Trump administration has indicated that it may appeal the ruling, potentially escalating the legal battle to higher courts. This case could set a significant precedent regarding the balance of power between federal and state governments and the role of the military in domestic affairs.

The deployment of National Guard troops in urban areas has raised concerns about the militarization of civilian spaces and the potential for escalating tensions between law enforcement and communities. In Chicago, the presence of federal troops has been met with protests and fears among immigrant communities, particularly in light of increased ICE enforcement activities. Chicago Public Schools have responded by distributing "Know Your Rights" leaflets to help immigrant students and families navigate the heightened enforcement environment.

Educators report widespread fear among students, especially Latino students, with some skipping school or seeking emotional reassurance. The Chicago Teachers Union is advocating for e-learning options to keep students safe at home. Incidents such as the fatal shooting of Silverio Villegas Gonzalez by ICE agents have intensified concerns. Mayor Brandon Johnson and others have vowed to use all available tools to safeguard residents' rights as the community grapples with fear and a drop in school attendance among English language learners.

As the legal proceedings continue, the outcome of this case may have far-reaching implications for the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement and the balance of power between federal and state authorities.