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By Dan Gooding and Gabe Whisnant
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The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago sued the Trump administration on Monday over what they called an “unlawful” move to deploy National Guard troops to Chicago, escalating tensions between the White House and Democratic-led states.
The lawsuit, filed in federal court, seeks to block the federalization of National Guard members from Illinois and Texas amid weeks of protests against the government’s immigration enforcement campaign.
President Donald Trump authorized 300 Illinois Guard troops to Chicago to protect federal property, reprising a tactic used in Los Angeles and Washington, D.C. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the action as an “invasion” and asked the court to declare the deployments unconstitutional and politically motivated.
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"The American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military, particularly not simply because their city or state leadership has fallen out of a president’s favor," the complaint filed Monday read. "To guard against this, foundational principles of American law limit the president’s authority to involve the military in domestic affairs. Those bedrock principles are in peril."
In a statement to Newsweek on Monday, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson said, “Amidst ongoing violent riots and lawlessness, that local leaders like Pritzker have refused to step in to quell, President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to protect federal officers and assets. President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities.”
Why It Matters
The Trump administration and Illinois leaders have been in a standoff over the deployment of federal agents and troops to the state, in particular Chicago, since the president's return to office in January. Trump has argued that the area is struggling with high crime levels, which Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson deny, while Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem launched Operation Midway Blitz to apprehend illegal immigrants in the city.
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What To Know
In the lawsuit, Illinois and Chicago argue that the federalization of National Guard troops without the request of Pritzker is unlawful and dangerous. Plaintiffs are asking a judge to intervene, as in the case of Portland, Oregon, and prevent the deployment.
The complaint goes on to explain concerns raised by Trump's speech to military leaders last week, in which he suggested using American cities as training grounds for troops, including Chicago. This, it says, was just the latest in a series of threats made by the president toward Chicago and other Democrat-run cities.
Plaintiffs warn of federal government overreach, as well as the longer-term impacts of deploying troops against American citizens, and urged the judge who hears the case to put a halt to the White House's actions.
Chicago and Illinois are not alone, with Portland also seeing standoffs over whether Trump can federalize the National Guard to deal with what he has branded a "war ravaged" city. Earlier efforts in Washington, D.C., were met with some pushback before local leaders opted to work with the White House. In contrast, Memphis, Tennessee, largely welcomed troops with open arms, although the city's Democratic mayor did not approve the move.
Also on Monday, journalists in Chicago and Illinois refiled a lawsuit against the Trump administration over the alleged use of force against reporters and protesters seeking to exercise their First Amendment rights at protests across the region over ICE's tactics in recent weeks.
That filing specifically focuses on Broadview, where ICE has a processing center that has been the focus of tense clashes between federal agents and protesters. Local leaders have expressed their dismay at police officers getting caught in tear gas usage by Department of Homeland Security agents, while elected officials have reported being shoved or thrown to the ground as they seek to protest conditions at the site.
DHS has staunchly defended its actions, claiming protesters have turned violent toward federal agents and that they are blocking immigration enforcement efforts.
Later Monday, a federal judge gave the Trump administration two days to respond to Illinois’ lawsuit, but she did not block the deployment. Judge April Perry set a midnight Wednesday deadline for the response.
What People Are Saying
Ed Yohnka, director of communications at public policy at the ACLU Illinois, told Newsweek: “There is no emergency or urgent situation that justifies sending any further force into the streets of Chicago. We already are seeing violence and chaos caused by ICE’s increasingly violent and reckless immigration enforcement in the Chicago area.
"Sending heavily armed federal agents and National Guard troops from thousands of miles away into our beautiful city of Chicago is unnecessary, inflammatory, and puts people at risk. This action is yet another example of President Trump is attempting to write himself a blank check to deploy federal agents and military troops anywhere he wants, against whoever he wants."
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, in a statement Monday morning: “The American people, regardless of where they reside, should not live under the threat of occupation by the United States military, particularly for the reason that their city or state leadership has fallen out of a president’s favor. I am absolutely committed to upholding the Constitution and defending the rule of law, which is why my office is both challenging and seeking an order to stop unlawful National Guard deployment in Illinois.”
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, on X Sunday night: "The brave men and women who serve in our national guards must not be used as political props. This is a moment where every American must speak up and help stop this madness."
What Happens Next
Illinois and Chicago are seeking a temporary restraining order while their complaint is being heard in full. A hearing has been set for Thursday.
Update 10/6/25, 12:45 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from the White House.
Update 10/6/25, 5:22 p.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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