The Trump administration’s intention to federalize a portion of the Illinois National Guard has surfaced, despite facing setbacks in its internal conflict campaign. Governor JB Pritzker criticized the move, labeling it as “outrageous and un-American.” The Illinois National Guard received orders from the recently renamed Department of War to mobilize 300 troops, although specifics on deployment were not disclosed.
Governor Pritzker condemned the ultimatum from the Department of War, emphasizing that forcing a Governor to deploy military forces within their state borders is unacceptable. This federal intervention in Illinois mirrors similar law enforcement actions in cities like Baltimore and Memphis, with past deployments to Los Angeles and Washington DC.
Pritzker denounced Trump’s actions as a staged performance that disrupts the lives of National Guard members and detracts from their regular duties. Efforts are being made to secure the Broadview ICE facility near Chicago through collaboration among state, county, and local law enforcement, highlighting Trump’s motives for control rather than safety.
Recent protests near the immigration facility led to 13 arrests, coinciding with increased immigration enforcement efforts under the Trump administration. Despite Trump’s plans for broader National Guard deployment, a federal judge in Oregon temporarily blocked the administration from sending troops to Portland, citing the country’s tradition of resisting military involvement in civil affairs.
Judge Karin Immergut emphasized the nation’s commitment to Constitutional law over martial law, underscoring the importance of upholding historical principles of government oversight.