Donald Trump’s intention to place a state’s National Guard under federal jurisdiction has come to light, despite the White House facing a significant setback in its battle against internal adversaries.
The Trump administration is aiming to federalize 300 members of the Illinois National Guard, as revealed by Democratic Governor JB Pritzker, who criticized the move as “absolutely outrageous and un-American.” The Illinois National Guard received notification from the recently-renamed Department of War that the troops would be activated.
Governor Pritzker did not disclose the timing or location of deployment, although Trump has previously threatened to deploy troops to Chicago. Responding to the situation, Pritzker stated, “This morning, the Trump Administration’s Department of War issued an ultimatum to me: mobilize your troops, or we will do it for you.”
The escalation of federal law enforcement in Illinois mirrors similar crackdowns in other parts of the country, such as Baltimore and Memphis. Trump previously deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles following initial law enforcement actions in Washington DC.
Pritzker criticized Trump’s actions in Illinois as a staged performance that would separate National Guard members from their families and regular duties. He highlighted ongoing coordination between state, county, and local law enforcement to secure the Broadview ICE facility near Chicago, emphasizing that Trump’s motives are centered on control rather than safety.
In related developments, federal authorities reported the arrest of 13 individuals on Friday protesting near the immigration facility, a frequent target during the Trump administration’s recent immigration enforcement efforts. Trump’s decision to send federal troops to Portland, Oregon, was met with resistance, leading to a federal judge blocking the deployment following legal challenges from state and city authorities.
US District Judge Karin Immergut emphasized the nation’s historical resistance to government overreach, particularly military involvement in civil matters, stating that the country upholds Constitutional law, not martial law.