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
Wounded National Guardsman beginning to 'look more like himself,' remains in acute care: West Virginia gov

West Virginia Governor Offers Hopeful Update on Injured National Guardsman’s Recovery in Acute Care

A National Guardsman injured in a shooting last week in Washington, D.C.,…
UK town sees nearly 200 homes evacuated over potential explosives threat, 2 men arrested

Nearly 200 Homes Evacuated in UK Town Amid Explosives Threat; Two Arrested

In a significant development unfolding in Derby, a city nestled in central…
Who is the Gazan challenging Hamas rule, and does he have a chance?

Influential Gaza Clan Leader with Ties to Israel Found Dead Amidst Hamas Tensions

A prominent anti-Hamas leader, known for safeguarding Gaza civilians and reportedly supported…
Canadian politician arrested after claiming threatening voicemail was AI-generated

Canadian Politician Detained: Alleged AI-Generated Threat Sparks Controversy

A Canadian politician has been arrested and charged with making threats after…
Fix Council bill on nonprofit housing

Revamp Proposed for Nonprofit Housing Legislation: What’s at Stake?

The Community Opportunity to Purchase Act (COPA), currently being reviewed by the…
ABC7 Sports Overtime: Chicago gets ready for Packers-Bears game, Mt. Carmel Head Coach Jordan Lynch talks championship win

Chicago Gears Up for Packers-Bears Showdown; Mt. Carmel’s Coach Lynch Celebrates Championship Victory

CHICAGO (WLS) — After a festive Thanksgiving break, Dionne Miller and ESPN…
European Christmas markets fortify security measures as terror threats force major operational changes

European Christmas Markets Enhance Security Amid Rising Terror Threats: What Visitors Need to Know

As the festive season approaches, European Christmas markets are opening their doors…
88-year-old Army veteran working at grocery store receives over $1.7M in donations after viral video

Army Veteran, 88, Receives $1.7M in Donations Following Viral Grocery Store Video

In an unexpected turn of events, a wave of generosity has amassed…
Chicago crash: Woman injured after concrete crashes through windshield on I-55, daughter says: 'Just horrifying'

Concrete Plunge on I-55: Woman Injured in Chicago as Debris Smashes Windshield, Daughter Shares Harrowing Experience

In a startling incident that could have ended much worse, a woman…
'God took his angel back': Family and friends honor the life of Matthew Jackson

Heartfelt Tributes Pour In: Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Matthew Jackson

The Riverside High School community is mourning the tragic loss of one…
Somalis live in constant fear, danger as disturbing reality hovers over their daily lives

Somalia’s Daily Struggles: Navigating Fear and Uncertainty in a Challenging Reality

Somalia, located on the Horn of Africa, remains a perilous hotspot for…
Pat Leonard: Jaxson Dart should ignore agenda-driven narrative about him and just play

Pat Leonard: Jaxson Dart Encouraged to Focus on Game Amid External Narratives

Jaxson Dart is receiving a lot of advice these days, particularly about…