A federal appeals court has blocked the U.S. government from sending National Guard troops to Chicago to help respond to protests against President Donald Trump’s immigration policies. On Thursday, a three-judge panel from the 7th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a temporary order issued on October 9 by U.S. District Judge April Perry, which paused the deployment of these troops. However, the court allowed the troops to remain under federal control for now.
The court agreed with Illinois officials who said the government didn’t provide enough proof to justify sending soldiers to the city. The judges noted that even giving the president’s claims of a “rebellion” or “invasion” significant weight, the evidence still did not support the need for National Guard troops. The ruling highlighted that federal property and personnel had been protected without the help of the military.
The judges also emphasized the importance of keeping well-trained law enforcement officers in communities and avoiding unnecessary military presence, unless absolutely necessary by law. Judge Perry’s restrictions will stay in place at least until October 23, with a possible extension being considered on October 22. She pointed out that bringing troops into Chicago now could escalate tensions and cause more harm than good. The judge has yet to decide if Illinois and Chicago’s request for a longer ban on troop deployment until the case is settled will be granted.
This decision is the second time the 7th Circuit Court has prevented troop deployment in Chicago. Just a few days ago, on Saturday, the panel declined to lift Perry’s earlier ruling while it reviewed the case more closely. Similar legal battles are happening elsewhere, like in Oregon, where a judge has temporarily barred troops from Portland while the appeals court reviews the government’s challenge.
The case, State of Illinois v. Trump, is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois. Meanwhile, National Guard members from Texas and other states continue to be on standby as the situation unfolds.