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By Anna Commander and Gabe Whisnant
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The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday declined to allow the Trump administration to deploy National Guard troops to the Chicago area in support of its immigration enforcement efforts.
Why It Matters
The Supreme Court’s decision potentially marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing debate over federal authority in domestic law enforcement. The order could shape future conflicts over the balance of power between states and the federal government, especially regarding the military’s involvement in civilian affairs and immigration enforcement. The case has also sparked conversations about states’ rights, constitutional law and the use of emergency executive powers.
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What To Know
The justices rejected an emergency request from the Republican administration seeking to overturn a lower-court ruling that blocked the deployment. U.S. District Judge April Perry had halted the move and a federal appeals court declined to intervene. The Supreme Court acted after more than two months of consideration.
Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Neil Gorsuch dissented. The brief order does not resolve the case on the merits but could influence similar lawsuits challenging President Donald Trump’s efforts to use military force in other Democratic-led cities.
The decision marks a setback for Trump in the High Court, where his administration has frequently prevailed in emergency appeals since he returned to office in January.
In an email to Newsweek on Tuesday, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said, "The President promised the American people he would work tirelessly to enforce our immigration laws and protect federal personnel from violent rioters. He activated the National Guard to protect federal law enforcement officers, and to ensure rioters did not destroy federal buildings and property. Nothing in today’s ruling detracts from that core agenda. The Administration will continue working day in and day out to safeguard the American public.”
In a post on X reacting to the Supreme Court's ruling, Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker said, "Today is a big win for Illinois and American democracy. I am glad the Supreme Court has ruled that Donald Trump did not have the authority to deploy the federalized guard in Illinois."
What People Are Saying
Pritzker, on X in October: "If the National Governors Association chooses to remain silent, Illinois will have no choice but to withdraw from the organization. We should be standing as one against the idea that Donald Trump can call up the National Guard against our will."
Trump, on Truth Social in August: "Six people were killed, and 24 people were shot, in Chicago last weekend, and JB Pritzker, the weak and pathetic Governor of Illinois, just said that he doesn’t need help in preventing CRIME. He is CRAZY!!! He better straighten it out, FAST, or we’re coming! MAGA. President DJT"
What Happens Next
The Supreme Court’s order could serve as a reference in ongoing lawsuits over National Guard deployments to Democratic-led cities like Los Angeles, Portland and the District of Columbia. Pending appeals in California and Oregon, as well as lawsuits in Washington, D.C., may test the boundaries set by Tuesday’s ruling.
This article includes reporting by the Associated Press.
Update 12/23/25, 5:26 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with comment from the White House.
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