In his second term, President Donald Trump has taken significant steps to enhance the deployment of National Guard forces across the United States. In a span of just four months, Trump has hinted at or ordered federal intervention in nearly a dozen cities, predominantly run by Democratic mayors and in states led by Democratic governors.
The administration defends these troop deployments as necessary measures to combat crime, quell protests, or protect ICE facilities and personnel. However, this move has sparked strong criticism from various quarters, with detractors labeling it a dangerous overreach of presidential power. Legal challenges and public protests have emerged in response to these actions. Here are some of the most notable incidents involving National Guard deployments under President Trump’s directives.
### Illinois
Illinois has been a focal point in the controversy. President Trump has frequently threatened to send troops to Chicago, asserting that the city requires federal assistance to address crime issues. In sharp contrast, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson has argued that rates of homicides, shootings, robberies, and carjackings are on the decline.
Tensions escalated on October 4, when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mobilized 300 members of the Illinois National Guard to Chicago. An additional 200 members from the Texas National Guard were also deployed, focusing on safeguarding ICE facilities and federal property. This prompted the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago to file a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming the troop deployment was unlawful. On that same day, Trump suggested via Truth Social that Illinois Democratic Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Johnson should be jailed for their supposed inaction in protecting ICE agents.
As of Wednesday night, the U.S. Northern Command reported that Texas National Guard personnel had commenced operations in the greater Chicago area. However, the following day, a federal judge in Chicago issued a temporary block against the federalizing and deploying of the National Guard in Illinois, a decision that is set to last for 14 days, with an appeal from the Trump administration expected.
### Oregon
In Oregon, the situation unfolded similarly. On September 28, the Trump administration activated 200 members of the Oregon National Guard for federal service due to protests near an ICE facility in Portland. Trump described Portland as “war ravaged” and accused
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