Chicago Judge Blocks National Guard Deployment Amid Tensions

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:42:21 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A U.S. District Judge has temporarily halted the deployment of National Guard troops in the Chicago area, citing a lack of evidence for unrest, a significant win for state officials amid rising tensions with the federal government.

U.S. District Judge April Perry ruled against the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago, arguing there is no substantial evidence of impending rebellion. The lawsuit, filed by Illinois and the city, seeks to halt the military presence seen as unnecessary and politically motivated, especially amidst heated exchanges between state officials and the Trump administration. The outcome signifies a growing confrontation over the use of federal troops in urban areas.

A judge has put a stop to the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago for two weeks, ruling that there is no substantial evidence of a brewing 'danger of rebellion' in Illinois. This decision is a significant victory for Democratic officials who lead the state and city, amid an ongoing conflict with President Donald Trump regarding military presence in urban areas.

U.S. District Judge April Perry, during a crowded courtroom session, did not specify the details of her ruling but confirmed it was in response to a lawsuit filed by Chicago and Illinois officials to prevent the deployment of troops from Illinois and Texas. Some National Guard members were already present at an immigration processing center in Broadview when the ruling was made.

Perry criticized the stance of the Department of Homeland Security, linking it to Trump's negative feelings towards Illinois officials. She was skeptical of the government's portrayal of protests happening at the immigration site in Broadview, indicating that previous demonstrations have not posed a significant threat to federal activities.

The city and state have classified the military deployment as unnecessary and illegal, arguing it infringes on civil liberties and escalates tensions unnecessarily. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has voiced strong opposition against the use of the National Guard in this context.

Furthermore, the legality of such deployments is being challenged through the courts, reflecting wider concerns over federal intervention in local matters, especially under the parameters set by the Posse Comitatus Act.

The ruling has ignited discussions about the balance between federal power and local governance, especially amid allegations that Trump's administration is using military presence to exert control and influence over politically opposed states.