Photo: npr.org
Live updates: National Guard deployments and Trump administration lawsuits
The Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard in Chicago and Portland faces federal lawsuits from Illinois and Chicago, challenging the legality of the military's involvement in civil unrest.
- The state of Illinois and the city of Chicago filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, contesting the deployment of the National Guard to quell protests in Chicago.
- In Portland, Oregon, the Trump administration's decision to send military personnel to manage protests has also triggered legal action, raising concerns about federal overreach.
- Both lawsuits argue that the deployment of the National Guard violates state sovereignty and exceeds federal authority under the Insurrection Act of 1807.
- Federal lawsuits were filed on September 3, 2020, and both cases highlight escalating tensions between local governments and the federal government over protest management.
- The legal challenges come amid nationwide protests against police brutality and systemic racism, prompting heightened scrutiny of federal military involvement in domestic affairs.
Why It Matters
These lawsuits represent a significant clash between state and federal authorities, with potential implications for the balance of power in managing civil unrest. If successful, they could limit the federal government's ability to deploy military resources in similar future scenarios. The outcomes may influence ongoing protests and the public's perception of federal intervention in local matters.