The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday temporarily blocked President Donald Trump from deploying National Guard troops to the Chicago area, dealing a rare legal setback to his administration as it expands domestic military operations in Democratic-led cities.
In an unsigned order, the court allowed a lower court ruling to stand that prevents Trump from sending hundreds of National Guard troops to Illinois. The case was brought by Illinois state and city officials, who argued that the deployment was unlawful and unnecessary.
The Supreme Court said the administration failed to identify a clear legal basis allowing the military to enforce laws in Illinois. It noted that presidential authority to federalize the National Guard applies only in “exceptional” circumstances. Three conservative justices, Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Neil Gorsuch, dissented.
The Trump administration argued that the deployment was needed to protect federal personnel and property at an immigration facility near Chicago. Officials claimed ongoing protests posed a security threat and that local law enforcement was unable to manage the situation.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago officials rejected those claims, saying the protests were largely peaceful and under control. Federal judges reviewing the case agreed, stating that the administration overstated the level of violence and warned that labeling protests as riots could further inflame tensions.
Trump cited a federal law allowing presidents to take control of state National Guard units in cases of rebellion, invasion, or when regular forces are unable to enforce federal law. However, U.S. District Judge April Perry ruled that the administration failed to meet those legal requirements and bypassed the use of regular federal forces without justification.
A three-judge panel of the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Perry’s decision. Notably, two of the judges were appointed by Republican presidents, including one appointed by Trump.
The case is part of a broader pattern of Trump deploying National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities such as Los Angeles, Memphis, Portland, and Washington, D.C. Critics argue the deployments are politically motivated and aimed at suppressing dissent.
While the Supreme Court has often ruled in Trump’s favor since his return to office, this decision stands out as one of the administration’s most significant judicial setbacks.
Reacting to the ruling, White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said the president remains committed to enforcing immigration laws and protecting federal personnel.
Governor Pritzker welcomed the decision, calling it “an important step in curbing the Trump administration’s abuse of power and slowing its march toward authoritarianism.”
