A federal judge ruled Thursday to temporarily block President Donald Trump from deploying the National Guard in Chicago, Illinois.
As a result of this, the federal government will be prohibited for at least a fourteen day period from sending National Guard troops into Chicago.
Although the order is set to expire at midnight on October 23, a hearing has been scheduled by US District Judge April Perry, appointed by former President Joe Biden (D), for October 22. During this hearing, the judge will decide whether or not to extend the block for another two-week period.
In light of this ruling, any National Guard troops that have already been deployed to Chicago already are prohibited from carrying out their stated mission while the temporary restraining order is in effect.
[RELATED: Portland, Oregon Sues Trump Admin Over National Guard Deployment in Response to ICE Protests]
Judge Perry has explained that her decision to halt the President’s deployment of the Guard came down to a “credibility determination,” as she found Department of Homeland Security’s assessment of the situation in Chicago to be “unreliable.”
She went on to say that while there is “no doubt there have been acts of vandalism and assaults” during Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) operation in Chicago, she disagreed that local law enforcement have shown themselves unable to handle the situation.
The President and his administration has repeatedly cited violence and “riots” in Illinois, particularly at the Broadview ICE facility, as the basis for sending the National Guard into the city, arguing that Chicago is “out of control.”
Thursday night, the White House responded to Perry’s ruling, reasserting the Administration’s determination to quell “lawlessness” and indicating a belief that they will ultimately prevail in court.
“Amidst ongoing violent riots and lawlessness, that local leaders like [JB] Pritzker have refused to step in to quell, President Trump has exercised his lawful authority to protect federal officers and assets,” said White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson.
“President Trump will not turn a blind eye to the lawlessness plaguing American cities,” she said, “and we expect to be vindicated by a higher court.”
[RELATED: Maine Joins Oregon’s Fight Against Trump Admin Over National Guard Deployment in Portland]
Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, on the other hand, said he believes the judge “did a very careful job of weighing the evidence” and “made the correct decision to enter a temporary restraining order.”
Similarly, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson issued a statement calling the judge’s ruling “a win for the people of Chicago and the rule of law.”
“Donald Trump is not a king,” wrote Gov. JB Pritzker (D) in a post on X, “and his administration is not above the law.”
“Today, the court confirmed what we all know: there is no credible evidence of a rebellion in the state of Illinois,” Gov. Pritzker continued. “And no place for the National Guard in the streets of American cities like Chicago.”
