Topline
President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guardsmen in Chicago was temporarily blocked Thursday, according to multiple outlets, with a district judge finding “no credible evidence” of a rebellion taking place in Illinois.
The judge’s oral ruling was delivered Thursday. (Photo by Jacek Boczarski/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Anadolu via Getty Images
Key Facts
District Court Judge April Perry blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois for 14 days, granting the state’s emergency motion against Trump.
Perry said evidence presented in court showed the National Guard’s deployment may lead to “civil unrest” and will “only add fuel to the fire,” according to CNN.
Perry also called the Department of Homeland Security’s assessment of protests in the Chicago area “unreliable.”
DHS argued the troops were needed to support federal law enforcement in the state, citing protesters who have clashed with them at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Broadview, a Chicago suburb.
Illinois and Chicago sued the Trump administration prior to the National Guard deployment, arguing it was unconstitutional and unnecessary.
What To Watch For
The Trump administration can appeal the decision or potentially invoke the Insurrection Act, a rarely-used law that provides presidents more power to deploy the military for domestic matters.
Crucial Quote
“Donald Trump is not a king — and his administration is not above the law,” Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, said in a tweet. “Today, the court confirmed what we all know: there is no credible evidence of a rebellion in the state of Illinois.”
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.