CHICAGO (AP) — The Trump administration's efforts to deploy the military in Democratic-led cities have led to a whirlwind of court challenges and legal confusion. With the U.S. Supreme Court now involved, conflicting rulings have arisen regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and Portland.
Currently, a federal judge in Chicago has temporarily blocked the deployment of National Guard troops for two weeks, and further hearings are expected soon. The judge will determine whether to extend this block, while the Trump administration seeks intervention from the Supreme Court for an emergency order to proceed with deployments.
In Portland, the situation is similar: A federal appeals court has indicated Trump may command Oregon National Guard troops, but a separate court order currently prevents any deployment. This legal tug-of-war poses challenges as the president bypassed initial restrictions by attempting to mobilize troops from California instead.
Meanwhile, California Governor Gavin Newsom's challenge against the deployment of troops to Los Angeles awaits examination in the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Local leaders argue that military intervention in domestic affairs represents an extreme measure that contravenes established laws about military involvement in civilian law enforcement, namely, the Posse Comitatus Act.
Dramatic developments continue, with legal implications extending to D.C. where a state court intends to probe the legality of sending troops to the capital, as well as a case in Memphis, Tennessee, where Democratic officials are pushing against the Guard’s deployment on constitutional grounds. As court rulings unfold, implications for military and civilian relations remain critical.
