Judge Blocks Trump In a dramatic legal twist, a federal judge in Chicago has blocked former President Donald Trump from deploying National Guard troops in Illinois, marking a significant setback for his administration’s controversial push to send military forces into major U.S. cities. The ruling, delivered by U.S. District Judge April M. Perry, halts any federalization or deployment of Illinois National Guard troops, sparking both relief and outrage across political lines.
This comes just days after another federal judge in Oregon made a similar move, rejecting Trump’s attempt to deploy troops in Portland. Together, these rulings highlight the growing judicial and state-level resistance to the former president’s efforts to use the military for domestic enforcement.
Judge April M. Perry’s Ruling: “Where Does This Ever Stop?”
During a tense courtroom hearing, Judge Perry expressed deep skepticism about the Trump administration’s motives and evidence, questioning the credibility of federal officials’ declarations. She emphasized that the deployment of troops in Illinois could escalate civil unrest rather than restore order. I find the deployment of National Guard is likely to lead to civil unrest,” Perry declared while announcing her decision.
Appointed by President Joe Biden in 2024, Judge Perry’s remarks echoed growing concerns about the limits of federal power and the dangers of overreach. She questioned whether Trump’s initiative respected the balance of American federalism and individual state sovereignty.
Illinois Officials Praise the Decision
Illinois leaders, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, hailed the ruling as “a victory for democracy and the rule of law.” The state had filed a lawsuit earlier this week, accusing the Trump administration of illegally seizing control of its National Guard and violating constitutional principles.
Their legal filing warned that sending troops into Chicago would represent “a grave intrusion on Illinois’s sovereignty.” The administration had already begun moving Texas National Guard troops into the Chicago area under “Operation Midway Blitz,” a mission tied to immigration enforcement efforts.
The Federal Response: White House Plans to Appeal
Despite the court’s decision, the White House signaled its intent to appeal. Abigail Jackson, a Trump spokesperson, defended the president’s actions, saying he was “exercising his lawful authority to protect federal officers and assets. President Trump will not turn a blind eye to lawlessness plaguing American cities,” Jackson stated, expressing confidence that a higher court would side with the administration.
Trump has long argued that deploying the National Guard is essential to combat crime and safeguard federal property, particularly in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland — all of which have resisted his efforts.
Parallel Legal Battle in Portland
In a similar case, U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut blocked Trump from sending Oregon National Guard troops into Portland, asserting that “this is a nation of constitutional law, not martial law.” Immergut’s ruling found that the Trump administration’s justification for troop deployment was “untethered to the facts,” as protests in Portland had largely dwindled.
The administration has since appealed the Oregon ruling to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, where judges are now weighing the legality of Trump’s broader troop deployment strategy.
1. Why did the judge block Trump from deploying troops in Illinois?
Judge April M. Perry ruled that the deployment was unlawful and risked escalating civil unrest. She cited concerns about federal overreach and the lack of credible evidence supporting Trump’s claims of widespread violence.
2. What is Operation Midway Blitz?
Operation Midway Blitz is an immigration enforcement mission launched by the Trump administration in Chicago, aimed at assisting ICE operations. It has sparked major protests and allegations of excessive federal force.
3. Can Trump still send troops after the ruling?
Not immediately. The ruling temporarily halts any troop deployment in Illinois. However, the Trump administration is expected to appeal the decision, which could bring the case before higher federal courts.
4. How are other states responding?
States like Oregon, California, and Illinois have filed lawsuits to block troop deployments, arguing that such actions violate the Posse Comitatus Act, which restricts the military from domestic law enforcement duties.
Conclusion: Legal and Political Showdown Ahead
The decision to block Trump from deploying troops in Illinois represents a defining moment in the ongoing clash between federal authority and state sovereignty. With appeals already in motion and similar rulings in other states, this legal confrontation could set a major precedent for how far a president can go in using military power within U.S. borders.
As the nation watches closely, the courts will determine not only the legality of Trump’s deployments but also the future boundaries of executive power in America.