Biden Judge Gives Trump 48-Hour Ultimatum Over Chicago Troop Deployment
A federal judge appointed by President Biden has ordered the Trump administration to justify its deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago within 48 hours. Judge April Perry issued the order after Illinois officials filed a lawsuit to block the move but declined to issue an immediate restraining order.
The lawsuit, led by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and supported by Governor J.B. Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, argues the deployment is an “unlawful act of political retaliation.” They contend it targets a Democratic-led city that has fallen out of favor with the president.
President Trump defended the action as both legal and necessary, citing the need to combat gang violence and enforce immigration laws. He invoked the Insurrection Act, stating he would not hesitate to use it if courts or governors impeded efforts to protect citizens.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described Chicago as “a war zone,” asserting that federal forces are intervening where local officials have failed. This characterization was strongly rejected by Illinois leaders.
Governor Pritzker accused the administration of a premeditated strategy to “cause chaos, create fear, and then claim justification to send in troops.” Tensions have already escalated on the ground, with federal agents using tear gas and making arrests during protests.
The White House maintains the operation is a temporary, safety-focused measure to assist local law enforcement. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “President Trump will always stand with law enforcement and the American people.”
The upcoming court hearing is expected to set a significant precedent regarding the limits of presidential power to deploy federal troops domestically. For now, the legal and political standoff continues as the administration prepares its legal defense.
