Chicago, Illinois, October 14, 2025
News Summary
A federal judge in Chicago has blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois due to concerns over the Tenth Amendment and potential civil unrest. This ruling coincides with ongoing protests against ICE facilities. In contrast, National Guard troops have been deployed in Memphis, TN, where they are patrolling alongside local police. Tensions remain high as public sentiment varies regarding federal military involvement in ongoing protests and legal rulings question the legality of such actions.
Chicago – A federal judge in Chicago has temporarily blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois, citing concerns about potential violations of the Tenth Amendment and fears of civil unrest. The ruling comes amidst ongoing protests against the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities in both Portland and Broadview, Illinois, where demonstrators have clashed with federal agents.
In contrast, National Guard troops in Memphis, Tennessee, have begun patrolling alongside local police as part of a federal task force, with the Tennessee governor supporting this deployment. However, similar troop deployments in both Chicago and Portland are currently limited to planning and training activities, following the latest legal rulings.
A federal judge has mandated that ICE dismantles an 8-foot metal security fence at its Broadview facility by midnight Tuesday, as part of a lawsuit asserting the fence was erected illegally. This decision reflects ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policies and federal enforcement measures.
In Memphis, Mayor Paul Young clarified that he did not request the presence of the National Guard, emphasizing the need for law enforcement to focus on violent offenders without causing fear within the community. Meanwhile, the protests outside the Broadview ICE facility have intensified, leading to confrontations with federal agents, prompting a judge to roll back certain crowd-control measures.
U.S. Senators Tammy Duckworth and Dick Durbin were denied entry to the Broadview facility, raising questions regarding transparency and accountability of its operations. The Trump administration defends the deployment of National Guard troops as a necessary measure to protect federal property and personnel amid the ongoing protests and unrest across various cities.
A recent ruling in Illinois underscored historical reluctance to involve military forces in domestic policing, especially when there is no evidence of rebellion justifying such actions. The lawsuit filed in Illinois and Chicago describes the military deployment as “illegal, dangerous, and unconstitutional,” emphasizing concerns over state sovereignty.
In Oregon, federal courts have similarly halted troop deployments, recognizing risks to federalism principles without state consent. Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has criticized the Trump administration’s militarization of cities as unconstitutional, highlighting the peaceful nature of protests.
In light of escalating tensions, Trump has suggested the possibility of invoking the Insurrection Act to bypass legal limitations on troop deployments, a claim that has sparked considerable criticism and scrutiny. The legal battles unfolding reveal a significant divide between state leaders who oppose federal intervention in local law enforcement and the Trump administration’s insistence on enforcing federal law and protecting its personnel.
Public sentiment remains divided in areas affected by these protests and federal military deployments. Local leaders express concerns about the potential for escalated violence stemming from the presence of federal troops. Legal experts are analyzing how these actions impact civil liberties and the risk of judicial overreach by the executive branch regarding issues of state governance.
Concluding Remarks
As these legal battles continue, the implications for both state governance and civil liberties remain a point of concern for many, with the ongoing protests further complicating the national dialogue surrounding immigration policy, law enforcement, and the military’s role in domestic affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recent ruling impacted National Guard deployments in Chicago?
A federal judge in Chicago temporarily halted the deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois due to concerns about violating the Tenth Amendment and potential civil unrest.
What is the situation with National Guard troops in Memphis?
National Guard troops in Memphis, Tennessee, have begun patrolling in conjunction with local police as part of a federal task force, with Tennessee’s governor supporting the deployment.
What has been ordered regarding ICE’s Broadview facility?
A federal judge ordered ICE to dismantle an 8-foot metal security fence at its Broadview facility by midnight Tuesday due to a lawsuit claiming it was illegally erected.
What concerns have been raised related to the presence of federal troops?
Local leaders express fears of escalating violence due to the federal military presence, with public sentiment remaining divided in areas represented in the protests and federal deployments.
What are the legal implications surrounding the deployment of troops?
Illinois’ Attorney General Kwame Raoul criticized Trump’s militarization of the city as an unconstitutional act and emphasized the peaceful nature of protests. Legal experts have examined the implications of these actions on civil liberties and the potential for judicial overreach by the executive branch.
Key Features of the Article
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Federal Judge Ruling | Temporarily halted National Guard deployment in Chicago citing Tenth Amendment concerns. |
| Memphis Troops | In Memphis, troops began patrolling with support from the state governor. |
| ICE Facility Orders | Court ordered dismantling of an illegal security fence in Broadview, Illinois. |
| Public Sentiment | Low confidence in federal presence, concerns over violence. |
| Legal Implications | Debate ongoing regarding civil liberties and federal overreach. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
National Guard Deployed to Address Rising Crime in Memphis
National Guard Troops Begin Patrolling Memphis to Combat Crime
National Guard Troops Deploy in Memphis Amid Controversy
National Guard Deployment in Memphis Sparks Controversy
Washington D.C. Votes to Honor Charlie Kirk Amid Political Tensions
National Guard Deployed to Combat Crime in Memphis
Trump Deploys National Guard to Memphis Amid Crime Concerns
Mixed Reactions to National Guard Deployment in Memphis
Trump Launches Memphis Safe Task Force to Combat Crime
National Guard Deployed in Memphis Amid Crime Concerns
Additional Resources
- Fox News: Long-held SCOTUS Precedents could Undercut Portland, Chicago National Guard Lawsuits
- CNN: National Guard in Chicago and Portland
- New York Times: National Guard, Trump and Unrest
- BBC News: Context on National Guard Deployments
- Google Search: National Guard deployments
- Wikipedia: National Guard

Author: STAFF HERE MEMPHIS WRITER
The MEMPHIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMemphis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Memphis, Shelby County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the areaโwith deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Beale Street Music Festival, Elvis Week, and Memphis in May International Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Memphis Chamber and the Memphis Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and music that power the local economy such as FedEx, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, and AutoZone. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBristol.com, HEREChattanooga.com, HEREKnoxville.com, and HERENashville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Tennessee's dynamic landscape.


