Legal Battles Over Deployment of National Guard in Illinois

The Trump administration faced another legal setback concerning its efforts to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois. State and local officials filed a lawsuit on Monday, challenging the federal government’s attempt to take control of and send troops into the state, deeming the move “unlawful and dangerous.”

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) justified the deployment to back Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents, who have been conducting “Operation Midway Blitz,” resulting in over 1,000 arrests. However, the increased presence of ICE agents has sparked allegations of racial profiling and excessive force against residents, particularly targeting Black and brown communities, including use of tear gas against protesters and journalists outside a Chicago-area ICE facility.

Within days, federal courts issued rulings against the deployment. A judge temporarily blocked the federal effort, and an appeals court later allowed the troops to remain under federal control temporarily but prohibited their deployment in the streets. State officials celebrated these decisions as victories. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul called the ruling a “victory for our state and local law enforcement,” while the ACLU of Illinois praised the decision. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also described it as “a win for the people and the rule of law,” emphasizing that the deployment was illegal and unnecessary.

Despite legal setbacks, federal officials indicated they would continue to fight the rulings. Vice President JD Vance stated on a Sunday interview that the administration plans to challenge the decisions and hinted at the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act — legislation allowing the military to be deployed within the U.S. to suppress rebellion if deemed necessary. Former President Trump has also suggested he is considering this option, though current officials believe the Constitution prohibits deploying troops solely to fight crime in this context.

Members of the Texas National Guard assemble in Elwood, Illinois, on October 7, 2025.