Gov. JB Pritzker to address Trump's effort to deploy National Guard to Illinois as Pentagon authorizes Chicago mission
Share this @internewscast.com

CHICAGO (WLS) — On Monday, Illinois and Chicago initiated legal action to prevent President Donald Trump from placing the National Guard under federal control and deploying them.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“Americans shouldn’t have to fear a military presence in their communities, especially not as a result of political disagreements,” said Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul in the complaint.

Illinois and Chicago’s lawsuit highlights the concern that Trump’s plan to send the National Guard into various states is unsettling the established boundary between the military and civilian life.

The lawsuit requests a federal court to prevent the activation and deployment of the National Guard to Illinois, citing the action is motivated by political disfavor rather than need.

“Illinois faces neither insurrection nor rebellion. The federal government can enforce laws here without militarizing the state. This crisis, as portrayed, is without basis,” they argue in their detailed complaint.

The legal representatives for Illinois and Chicago contend that Trump’s actions lack justification under federal law and contravene the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits military involvement in domestic policing.

“Defendants’ unlawful deployment of the Illinois National Guard, over the objection of the state, is similar to the unlawful course of conduct they have taken against other disfavored states and cities,” the complaint said.

The lawsuit cites Trump’s social media posts about sending militarized law enforcement to Chicago – including his “I love the smell of deportations in the morning” post – and his recent comments about using Democratic-led cities “as training grounds for our military.”

Mayor Johnson’s ‘ICE free zone’ executive order

On Monday, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order to prohibit “federal immigration authorities from using City-owned or controlled parking lots, vacant lots, and garages as staging areas, processing locations, or operations bases for civil immigration enforcement activities.”

The mayor’s office said in the order it would also distribute free official signage that private landowners can post on their property.

“The signage clearly states that no law enforcement official may enter for the purpose of civil immigration enforcement and that the property may not be used as a staging area, processing location, or operations base,” a spokesperson for the mayor said in a release.

The Chicago mayor's office said it would also distribute free official signage that private landowners can post on their property to designate an "ICE free zone."

The Chicago mayor’s office said it would also distribute free official signage that private landowners can post on their property to designate an “ICE free zone.”

Particiaption of placing signs up is voluntary, the mayor’s office said.

The order states that city departments must identify city properties that have been or could be used by immigration enforcement; post signage, use physical barriers ,such as locked gates, to restrict unauthorized access; immediately report any use of city property.

The executive order “does not limit or restrict the execution of lawful judicial warrants or legitimate criminal investigations. It applies only to civil immigration enforcement.”

This is a developing story.

An Illinois official on Sunday confirmed to ABC News that the Illinois National Guard has received an official notification from the Pentagon authorizing a mission in Chicago.

Governor JB Pritzker is set to host a news conference on Monday to address “the Trump Administration’s efforts to militarize American cities and the current state of federal deployments to Illinois.”

Pritzker says his office has not received any calls from the feds, and has remained adamant that the National Guard is not needed in the Chicago area.

READ MORE | Trump deploying Texas National Guard in Illinois, Pentagon authorizes Chicago mission, officials say

300 National Guard members will need a few days to mobilize and train before arriving to the city possibly by the end of the week, an Illinois official told ABC News.

Pritzker announced that 400 Texas National Guard members will also be deployed to multiple states across the country, including Illinois.

The governor is set to speak at 2 p.m. in Chicago on Monday.

RELATED | Chicago federal intervention: Tracking surge in immigration enforcement operations | Live updates

Chicago police Superintendent Larry Snelling will speak at 1 p.m. “regarding recent weekend events.”

On Saturday, a woman was shot by a federal agent on Chicago’s Southwest Side. Federal agents accused the woman of using her vehicles to strike another car, with three U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents inside.

ABC7 will livestream the news conference.

READ MORE | Woman shot by CBP agent among 2 charged in alleged Brighton Park vehicle ramming, prosecutors say

ABC News contributed to this report.

Copyright © 2025 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Prince Harry makes surprise visit in Ukraine in show of support during war

Prince Harry’s Unexpected Visit to Ukraine: A Heartfelt Show of Support Amid Conflict

In a surprise move, Prince Harry paid a visit to Ukraine’s capital,…
UK landlords advertising 'Muslim only' housing in potential violation of discrimination laws

UK Landlords Face Scrutiny for ‘Muslim Only’ Housing Ads Amid Discrimination Law Concerns

Recent reports suggest that some landlords in London are purportedly listing properties…
Trump threatens to 'finish it up militarily' if Iran refuses to make a deal

Trump Warns of Military Action if Iran Talks Fail

On Thursday afternoon, President Trump announced his intention to resume military strikes…
Hugh Jackman takes on new role for innovative charity

Hugh Jackman Joins Groundbreaking Charity Initiative in Exciting New Role

Hugh Jackman, renowned for his leading roles in blockbuster films such as…
Sickening video shows NYC teen stomp on girl's head -- after she refused to give him her number

Shocking NYC Incident: Teen Brutally Attacks Girl for Rejecting Advances, Caught on Video

A disturbing video has emerged showing a violent encounter between two teenagers,…
New York City Council Member Chi Ossé thrown to ground and arrested

Video Captures Arrest of NYC Councilman Chi Ossé During Eviction Protest, Allied with Mamdani

NYC Council Member Chi Ossé arrested in Brooklyn Footage has emerged showing…
LA’s wildlife crossing bridge could bring traffic to Malibu for months

Wildlife Crossing in LA: How the New Bridge Might Impact Malibu Traffic for Months

A vital commuter artery between Los Angeles and Malibu is slated to…
At Tiny Doll House, craft the fun-sized world of your dreams

Discover Your Dream Miniature Realm: Explore Creativity at Tiny Doll House

NEW YORK — Nestled in the heart of the Upper East Side,…
Downers Grove mother says son, student at Miami University, had over $4K frozen in Chase account for nearly 1 year

Chase Bank Freeze: Downers Grove Mom’s Battle to Recover Son’s $4K at Miami University

A troubling scenario has unfolded in Downers Grove, Illinois, where a local…
Chicago Board of Education to meet Thursday as some CPS parents voice May Day concerns

Chicago Board of Education to Address CPS Parents’ May Day Concerns in Upcoming Thursday Meeting

CHICAGO — Tensions are rising as the Chicago Board of Education convenes…
Trump says he ordered Navy to 'shoot and kill' Iran mine-laying boats in Strait of Hormuz

Trump’s Bold Navy Directive: ‘Shoot and Kill’ Command for Iran Mine-Laying Boats in Strait of Hormuz

In a bold declaration on Thursday, President Trump announced that he had…
Prediction market platform Kalshi suspends 3 congressional candidates who bet on their own races

Kalshi Shakes Up Prediction Markets: Congressional Candidates Banned for Betting on Their Own Elections

On Wednesday, Kalshi, a platform where users can wager on upcoming events,…