President Trump authorized or plans to federalize 300 Illinois National Guard members to support federal immigration enforcement in Chicago, a move Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker opposes [chicagotribune.com#5][pbs.org#10][washingtonpost.com#6][scmp.com#11]. Pritzker said the administration gave him an ultimatum and warned the troops were being activated against his wishes [thehill.com#7][washingtonpost.com#6][nypost.com#1]. The development came as protests grew after a federal agent shot a woman in Chicago on Saturday, leading to clashes between ICE and demonstrators [washingtonpost.com#6][lemonde.fr#12].
Highlights:
- Scope and purpose: Officials and reporting indicate 300 Illinois National Guard members were authorized or set to be federalized to assist federal officers with immigration arrests and deportations in Chicago [chicagotribune.com#5][pbs.org#10][scmp.com#11].
- State objections: Gov. JB Pritzker objected to the plan, calling it “absolutely outrageous and un-American,” and said it came over his objections [pbs.org#10][lemonde.fr#12].
- Protest context: A federal agent shot a woman in Chicago on Saturday, sparking protests and clashes involving ICE and demonstrators [washingtonpost.com#6][lemonde.fr#12].
- Ultimatum claim: Pritzker said the administration delivered an ultimatum to call up the Guard or have them federalized, and warned activation was proceeding against his wishes [thehill.com#7][washingtonpost.com#6][nypost.com#1].
- Legal friction: Also on Saturday, a U.S. district judge blocked an attempt to deploy troops to Portland in a separate case, underscoring ongoing legal tensions around federal deployments [lemonde.fr#12].
This morning, the Trump Administration’s Department of War gave me an ultimatum: call up your troops, or we will. – Gov. JB Pritzker
Perspectives:
- White House: Says deploying 300 Guard in Illinois will support federal officers conducting immigration arrests and address lawlessness in cities. (South China Morning Post)
- Gov. JB Pritzker: Rejects the move as coming over his objections and deems it 'absolutely outrageous and un-American.'. (PBS NewsHour)
Sources:
- Illinois Dem Gov. JB Pritzker rejects ‘ultimatum’ to deploy troops in Chicago ahead of expected federal takeover – nypost.com
- Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker says Trump is set to federalize the state's National Guard – reddit.com
- Trump authorizes 300 National Guard members to Illinois to assist with deportations over JB Pritzker’s objections – chicagotribune.com
- Trump authorizes National Guard in Chicago as ICE, protesters clash – washingtonpost.com
- Trump to federalize Illinois National Guard: Pritzker – thehill.com
- Pro-Crime Pritzker Furious at Trump’s National Guard Ultimatum – pjmedia.com
- Gov. Pritzker says Trump plans to deploy National Guard in Illinois – pbs.org
- Trump to send National Guard to Illinois, as he puts pressure on Chicago – scmp.com
- US federal agent shoots Chicago motorist as protests spread, while a judge blocks troops to Portland – lemonde.fr
