UPDATE: The Trump administration has just filed an emergency request with the Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that blocks the deployment of the National Guard in Chicago, Illinois. This urgent move comes after a lower court’s decision on October 9, which the administration claims undermines the President’s authority and jeopardizes federal personnel and property.
In the filing, Solicitor General John Sauer stated, “This Court should stay the district court’s October 9 injunction in its entirety,” emphasizing the need for the National Guard to fulfill its protective role amid escalating concerns over violence in Chicago. He urged the Supreme Court to grant an immediate stay to ensure that troops can be deployed while legal proceedings continue.
This action follows a ruling by a three-judge panel from the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals that found the proposed deployment likely violates the Tenth Amendment, which reserves specific powers to the states. The panel—including judges appointed by previous presidents Donald Trump, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama—noted that the administration is “unlikely to succeed” in proving a state of “rebellion” exists that justifies the deployment of federal forces.
A temporary restraining order preventing the National Guard’s deployment remains in effect until October 23, with a hearing scheduled for October 22 to potentially extend this order. Currently, there are approximately 200 federalized National Guard troops from Texas and 14 from California stationed in Illinois, alongside 300 Guardsmen from Illinois mobilized by the President against the wishes of Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
President Trump has characterized Chicago as a “war zone,” insisting on the necessity of National Guard troops to combat rising crime rates in the city. The stakes are high as the situation develops, and the Supreme Court’s response could have immediate implications for public safety and federal authority across the nation.
As this story unfolds, all eyes will be on the Supreme Court and the outcome of the upcoming hearings, which could redefine the balance of power between state and federal authorities in matters of public safety. Keep following for real-time updates on this critical issue.
