Judges have stalled President Donald Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard in Chicago and Portland, Oregon, but troops are now patrolling in Memphis, Tennessee, with the blessing of the state’s governor.
The troops, dressed in Guard fatigues and protective vests, with guns in their holsters, patrolled at a Bass Pro Shops store and a nearby tourist center beside the Mississippi River on Friday. The exact number of troops deployed in Memphis remains unclear.
Trump has also discussed deploying troops to other cities such as Baltimore, the District of Columbia, New Orleans, and various California cities. Federal officials assert the troops are supporting immigration agents and safeguarding federal property.
In contrast, the deployment attempts to Portland and Chicago have faced legal challenges, as leaders in those areas argue such actions infringe upon their state sovereignty and federal law. Federal courts in Illinois and Oregon recently blocked these efforts from the Trump administration.
What’s happening in Memphis
Trump announced on September 15 his intention to send the Guard to Memphis, supported by Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican. Mayor Paul Young, a Democrat, expressed hopes that the task force would specifically address violent crime without intimidating residents.
Since the task force's inception on September 29, law enforcement officials have reported making numerous arrests and issuing thousands of traffic citations.
Illinois Senators Denied Access to ICE Facility
Meanwhile, in Illinois, Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth were denied entry to an ICE facility in Broadview, sparking questions about government transparency. Duckworth described the situation as appalling, emphasizing their oversight role as U.S. senators.
Illinois Judge Blocks Troop Deployment
A federal judge has temporarily blocked troop deployment in Chicago, finding that the Trump administration's actions violated the 10th and 14th Amendments. The ruling highlights a historical aversion to military involvement in civil policing.
Governor JB Pritzker supported the ruling, stating there is no crisis warranting military involvement in cities like Chicago.
Oregon Judge Also Blocks Deployment
An Oregon judge has similarly stalled troop deployment to Portland, emphasizing legal constraints governing military assignments in civilian contexts.
Troops Patrol Outside Chicago
In Chicago, approximately 500 guard members from Texas and Illinois began patrols outside an ICE facility this week amidst heightened tensions. Additionally, other judicial actions have constrained federal agents’ powers at the facility.
