The US Supreme Court has rejected the Trump administration’s attempt to deploy National Guard troops in the Chicago area, siding with objections raised by Illinois state and local officials.
In an unsigned ruling, the court said the president’s authority to federalise the National Guard likely applies only in “exceptional” circumstances. The National Guard is typically made up of state-controlled forces that respond to emergencies such as natural disasters or major civil unrest.
The decision marks a notable break from the conservative-majority court, which has largely ruled in favour of the Trump administration in recent months. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker welcomed the outcome, calling it “a big win for Illinois and American democracy.” The White House did not immediately respond to the ruling.
The proposed Chicago deployment was part of broader efforts by the Trump administration to address protests linked to federal immigration raids in largely Democratic-led cities, including New Orleans, Portland, and Washington DC. Trump has argued that deploying troops is necessary to reduce violence, combat crime, and support deportation policies.
However, Illinois officials challenged the move in court, and a lower court blocked the deployment of hundreds of National Guard members. The judge ruled that protests in the Chicago area did not amount to a “rebellion or danger of rebellion” under US law.
The administration appealed to the Supreme Court, arguing the president’s decision was not subject to judicial review and seeking permission to deploy troops while the case continued. On Tuesday, the justices left the lower court’s ruling in place.
“At this preliminary stage, the Government has failed to identify a source of authority that would allow the military to execute the laws in Illinois,” the court wrote in its 6–3 decision. Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch dissented.
The ruling maintains the current situation in one of the nation’s largest cities and represents the first time the Supreme Court has directly weighed in on Trump’s use of troops amid nationwide protests.
Erizia Rubyjeana
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