UPDATE: A federal appeals court has just ruled that National Guard troops deployed to Illinois by President Donald Trump cannot be used for patrols or to protect federal property at this time. This decision comes after a ruling from federal Judge April Perry on October 14, 2023, which temporarily blocked their deployment citing a lack of evidence for a “danger of rebellion” during Trump’s immigration enforcement actions.
The appeals court’s ruling on October 15, 2023, confirmed that while the 500 National Guard members from Texas and Illinois can remain in the state under federal control, their operational scope is severely restricted. Judge Perry’s initial ruling emphasized that civil authorities in Illinois are functioning effectively, stating, “There has been no showing that the civil power has failed.”
The National Guard troops were primarily stationed at a U.S. Army Reserve Center in Elwood, southwest of Chicago, with a few deployed to a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview. This situation arises amid a contentious political backdrop, as Trump’s administration has argued that crime is escalating in multiple U.S. cities, despite statistics often contradicting this assertion.
Judge Perry noted that the federal agents are successfully performing their duties, highlighting a notable increase in arrests and deportations. She referenced historical documents, including the Federalist Papers, to reinforce her decision against the military’s involvement in civil enforcement.
The court has granted a pause in the case, allowing for further arguments to be presented. As developments continue, the implications of this ruling could ripple through ongoing discussions about the use of military forces in domestic law enforcement.
Residents and officials in Illinois are closely monitoring this situation, as the outcome could significantly impact local law enforcement dynamics and federal immigration policy. This ruling is a pivotal moment in the ongoing legal and political battle surrounding the deployment of the National Guard, emphasizing the balance between federal power and state authority.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.