What we covered here
• Deployment blocked: A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald Trump’s National Guard deployment in Illinois for two weeks. Texas guardsmen have been on the ground in the greater Chicago area, with the Trump administration saying they were needed to protect ICE and other federal property and personnel.
• Courtroom showdowns: The Chicago ruling comes as a similar legal battle plays out in Oregon, where Trump’s deployment of troops to Portland is currently blocked by several court orders. The cases could potentially set precedents for future federal intervention in local law enforcement. City and state leaders contend that Trump is exceeding his authority.
• Anti-ICE protests: Ongoing demonstrations outside ICE facilities in Portland and the Chicago suburb of Broadview have served as a flashpoint for Trump’s crackdown. The administration says troops are needed to quell unrest in what it describes as violence-ridden Democratic-led cities.
Our live coverage of the court hearings on National Guard deployments has now ended. See here for the latest.
Illinois governor and Chicago mayor celebrate ruling, saying there is no evidence of rebellion
Illinois’ governor and Chicago’s mayor celebrated US District Judge April Perry’s ruling that blocked the National Guard from deploying in the state for 14 days, with both leaders emphasizing the court found no evidence of rebellion.
Mayor Brandon Johnson said in a statement that the ruling “echoed many of the points that we have made repeatedly.”
Judge’s order temporarily blocks National Guard deployments from any state, including Texas
The order issued by US District Judge April Perry today temporarily blocks the deployment of National Guard troops from any state, including Texas, in the state of Illinois.
The order came only hours after members of the Texas National Guard were seen entering an Immigration and Customs Enforcement building near Chicago.
“The judge has ordered that the National Guard of the United States, whether from Texas or any other one of the 50 states, should not be deployed within the state of Illinois,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said at a news conference today following the ruling.
The Trump administration had argued the troops were needed “to protect federal property and personnel who are executing federal law.” Meanwhile, local officials told the judge that bringing in the Guard without the cooperation of Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker violated their sovereignty.
It’s unclear what the next steps will be for guardsmen already on the ground in Chicago.
A hearing in the case is scheduled for October 22, when the judge will weigh whether the temporary restraining order should be extended for another 14 days. The two-week temporary restraining order is set to expire on October 23 at 11:59 p.m., the order says.
Defense Department says it has no details on where National Guard troops will be located during restraining order period
The Texas National Guard “will remain in a federalized status” while a two week restraining order is in force, the Department of Defense said, but had no details on where they will be stationed.
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said the soldiers are welcome to stay as private citizens.
When asked whether he is concerned the administration won’t abide by the restraining order, Raoul said his office will go back to court if it doesn’t, as it has have done in other recent federal cases where an order has been violated.
Illinois attorney general says importance of ruling stretches outside state, gets tearful when thanking staff
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul said Judge April Perry “did a very careful job of weighing all the evidence” in her ruling.
“Our constitution, our rule of law, the law that is laid out by Congress, has to be respected by everybody to the extent that we continue to be the United States of America that our founding fathers thought we would be through time,” he told reporters.
He said the decision is important for the entire country, not just Illinois.
“The question of state sovereignty was addressed in this decision — the question of whether or not the President of the United States should have unfettered authority to militarize our cities,” Raoul said.
Raoul tearfully thanked the “heroes” on his staff for their work, saying they stood up not just for those in Illinois “but for the entire country.”
Judge calls DHS assessments of protests “unreliable”
US District Judge April Perry said state and local law enforcement agencies were able to maintain control during the recent protests in the Chicago area and expressed concern that the Department of Homeland Security’s assessments of the protests are “unreliable.”
She described one particular protest where there were 200 protesters and 100 state and local police at the scene.
Perry also gave an example of a protest outside the Broadview ICE facility with a dozen protesters and DHS did not have to intervene.
The federal judge said DHS has also said the Illinois State Police were the “difference maker” and that they were grateful for their presence.
How the judge explained her ruling blocking Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois
A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in the state of Illinois for 14 days.
“I have seen no credible evidence” that there has been rebellion in Illinois, US District Court Judge April Perry, a Biden appointee, said in her lengthy oral ruling.
The judge said that the evidence demonstrates that the deployment of the National Guard may lead to “civil unrest” and will “only add fuel to the fire” that the Trump administration has started as part of immigration enforcement action.
The federal government had argued that the “violent actions and threats” by protesters constituted “at least a danger of a rebellion against federal authority.”
Perry said she will issue a written order on Friday.
Federal judge grants temporary restraining order blocking Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in Illinois
A federal judge has granted a temporary restraining order blocking the deployment of National Guard troops in the state of Illinois for 14 days.
Use of chemical agents by federal agents in Chicago has been “arbitrary and indiscriminate,” judge says
US District Court Judge April Perry said the use of chemical agents by federal agents against protesters in the Chicago suburb of Broadview has often been “arbitrary and indiscriminate,” citing local police.
Perry said there have never been more than 200 protesters in Broadview, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has been the site of protests for weeks.
Perry added the court is left with having to make a “credibility determination.”
Happening now: Chicago troops deployment court hearing resumes
A court hearing on the deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago has resumed after a break.
It’s unclear whether US District Court Judge April Perry will issue a ruling after she heard and questioned attorneys for Illinois and Chicago, and the Justice Department.
Takeaways: Portland court ruling could hinge on previous protest violence at ICE facility
An appeals court ruling on the legality of sending National Guard troops to Portland, Oregon, could hinge on previous protest violence at the city’s ICE facility, not the current situation on the ground.
During a hearing today with a three-judge panel at the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, one of two Trump-appointed members challenged Oregon’s attorney on the importance of past protest violence.
“The President references Portland as war ravaged, which we all know is not accurate,” said Oregon’s attorney Stacy Chaffin, who referenced the recent state of protests as small and “generally peaceful.”
Judge Ryan Nelson countered, “I mean, do you think there’s a dispute of facts as to what’s happened in June, July, August, September?”
When Chaffin cited the lower court’s opinion that more recent protests had simmered to as few as 30 people, Judge Nelson interrupted: “Well… okay hold on… that’s clearly erroneous because there’s clearly been protests that were above 30.”
Nelson also noted that federal official testified the protests are “impeding their ability to perform their function,” but Chaffin argued that was due to agents being “short-staffed,” not because the protests physically prevent them from carrying out federal law.
Oregon’s position is that local and federal law enforcement is sufficient to handle the current state of protests and that President Donald Trump acted retroactively when he cited past clashes as justification for sending in the Guard now.
The three-judge panel did not give a timeline for when they expect to issue a decision. Even if the court sides with the Trump administration and allows federalization of the Oregon National Guard, troops still cannot be deployed to Portland under a separate court order in effect until at least October 19.
At the time the hearing wrapped up, CNN crews at the ICE facility reported minimal protest activity. Portland police say they arrested four people Wednesday night on misdemeanor charges.
DHS Assistant Secretary says administration has law and constitution on its side in Chicago and Portland cases
Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin expects the administration will win both the Chicago and Portland cases attempting to federalize and deploy the National Guard, she said on Fox News.
“Well, we have the law and we have the constitution on our side, so I think we will win the day in this and law and order will win the day in this,” she said.
In the meantime, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents will continue enforcement activities, even as people protest and threaten officers, McLaughlin said.
Nothing is out of control despite federal claims otherwise, Portland city council member says
There was nothing out of the norm going on in Portland when Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited, city Councilmember Angelita Morillo said Thursday in response to the cabinet secretary’s claims that local leaders are covering up terrorism on Portland streets.
“I never thought that renowned puppy killer Kristi Noem would be so afraid of protesters wearing frog costumes and chicken costumes, but here we are,” Morillo told CNN’s Boris Sanchez. “We were not hiding anything. The reason she didn’t see anything on the ground is because everything here is under control, people are exercising their right to free speech as they are allowed to under the Constitution, if that still matters.”
“It’s my understanding that people are still allowed to protest and get a little rowdy and exercise their First Amendment,” she said. “That doesn’t mean that we need the National Guard or the military to come in to intervene.”
Morillo said she would be “extremely disappointed” if the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rules in the president’s favor.
“I think that it would be a breakdown of our constitutional rule of law here in this country,” Morillo said.
Closing arguments have concluded in the Chicago troops deployment court hearing. Here are the takeaways
For about three hours, US District Court Judge April Perry heard and questioned attorneys for Illinois and Chicago, and the Justice Department over the National Guard deployment in the state.
While the court is on break until 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time, here’s what to know about the hearing so far:
- DOJ argues about definition of rebellion: Justice Department attorney Eric Hamilton argued the court doesn’t need to decide if there is a rebellion, but rather just a danger of a rebellion. Perry disagreed with that assessment. Meanwhile, the state attorney rejected the White House arguments as “audacious” and said “there is no rebellion in Illinois.”
- Illinois asks judge to “rest the balance” in the state: Christopher Wells, an attorney from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, said the troops’ deployment has “irreparable harm” and asked the judge to grant an injunction. He noted some of the protesters’ conduct against officials is “of course deplorable,” but said what the president has done is “lawless.”
- Judge questions DOJ about limits of National Guard: Perry asked Hamilton if the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago would be allowed in certain areas – including neighborhoods with schools. Hamilton responded that could be possible when protecting federal agents or property. “Will they be solving crime in Chicago?” Perry asked Hamilton. “Certainly, to an extent,” Hamilton responded.
- Judge questions state about Broadview: Perry asked Wells whether he believed the president can send soldiers from Naval Station Great Lakes, about 35 miles north of Chicago, to Broadview, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has been the site of protests for weeks. Wells responded the president would need to rely on law enforcement forces like the US Marshalls Service, which “are responsible for protecting federal property.”
100 National Guard members deployed to Broadview ICE facility, Border Patrol Sector Chief Greg Bovino says
One hundred National Guard members are deployed to the ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois, in the Chicago area, Border Patrol Sector Chief Greg Bovino told Fox News Thursday.
The facility, which has been the site of protests in recent weeks, will be well protected with the National Guard there, he said. Last night, members of the Texas National Guard were deployed on their official mission of protecting ICE agents and other US government personnel, US Northern Command told CNN.
“We are going to put an end to that violence that you’ve seen at that facility,” Bovino said.
NY Times: Oklahoma governor criticizes deployment of Texas National Guard
Republican Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt criticized the deployment of the Texas National Guard into Illinois during an interview with the New York Times Thursday, saying it goes against his beliefs in states’ rights.
While he said he supports the National Guard’s mission to protect Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, he thinks the president should have federalized the Illinois National Guard first, saying he worries about the precedent set for future presidents.
Stitt is the first Republican governor to speak out against the tactic. Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, however, joined two filings in the Portland and Chicago cases supporting the Trump administration’s use of the National Guard.
“We believe in the federalist system — that’s states’ rights,” he told the Times. “Oklahomans would lose their mind if Pritzker in Illinois sent troops down to Oklahoma during the Biden administration.”
“As a federalist believer, one governor against another governor, I don’t think that’s the right way to approach this,” he said.
Stitt, who is also a chair for the National Governors’ Association, said he is speaking for himself and says his views don’t represent the organization. CNN has reached out to Stitt’s office for comment.
Closing arguments conclude in Illinois and court breaks until 5:30pm ET
Closing arguments have concluded in Illinois where US District Court Judge April Perry has been hearing arguments from both parties over the National Guard deployment throughout the state.
The court is now on break until 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Perry expressed a need to review documents and asked both sides to report back to court after the break. It’s unclear if she will issue her ruling today.
National Guard troops expected in Memphis Friday
National Guard troops are expected to arrive in Memphis on Friday, and the city is preparing the community for their arrival.
“In Memphis, we rise to every challenge. Since January 2024, crime has fallen by double-digit percentages — the result of focused policing, strong community-based partnerships, and the resolve of our people,” Mayor Paul Young said in a statement on the federal deployment.
While Young initially asked his lawyers to review President Trump’s order to send in troops, he said this situation is different from the effort to federalize troops in cities like Portland or Chicago, CNN affiliate WMC reported.
“Memphis is different than L.A. and Chicago or Portland in that the governor of Tennessee and the president of the United States made the decision to bring the National Guard and the federal resources to the City of Memphis,” Young said Wednesday.
The troops are part of an ongoing multi-agency initiative to end violent street crime, which also includes highway patrol officers and agents from more than 13 federal agencies, according to the city.
National Guard troops will serve as “extra eyes and ears,” assisting other agencies but will not make arrests or issue warrants, the city said.
“The Memphis action is presented as a sustained campaign, rather than an emergency takeover as was ordered in DC,” the city said.
A small number of National Guard troops were in Memphis earlier this week ahead of the larger deployment expected Friday.
Judge questions whether troops should be deployed in Illinois amid heightened threats to federal officials
US District Court Judge April Perry acknowledged the heightened elevation of threats against officials all over the country, including herself.
“Mine started about ten minutes after I got this case,” Perry said.
However, the judge grilled Justice Department attorney Eric Hamilton on whether this is an indicator of the current times or if this gives the president the right to federalize National Guard troops.
For context: In their response to the lawsuit brought by Illinois and Chicago, the Trump administration defended its decision to federalize Illinois National Guard members and deploy additional guardsmen from Texas, citing “ongoing and sustained violence” targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement personnel and federal property in the Chicago area.
Documented injuries include a torn ACL, a hyper-extended knee, multiple lacerations, and a beard ripped from an officer’s face, the 59-page filing said. Some officers have also been hospitalized after being physically tackled by rioters, according to the filing.
Judge asks if the president could deploy Navy soldiers stationed in Illinois to Broadview
US District Judge April Perry asked what type of authority President Donald Trump has in dispatching troops from one place to another.
Perry asked Christopher Wells, an attorney from the Illinois Attorney General’s Office, whether he believed the president can send 500 soldiers from Naval Station Great Lakes, the Navy’s largest training installation and the home to the Navy’s only Boot Camp, to Broadview, where an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility has been the site of protests for weeks.
Wells responded the president would need to rely on law enforcement forces like the US Marshalls Service, which “are responsible for protecting federal property.”
“The president has to act pursuant to the Constitution,” Wells added.
