Federal judges have recently put a halt to President Trump’s plans for deploying the National Guard in Chicago and Portland, Oregon. Meanwhile, National Guard troops are actively patrolling in Memphis, Tennessee, with the approval of Governor Bill Lee. These troops, clad in military fatigues and armed, have been seen patrolling popular locations like a Bass Pro Shops store near the Mississippi River. However, the exact number of troops deployed in Memphis has not been disclosed.
Trump had also considered deploying troops to other cities, including Baltimore, New Orleans, and several locations in California. Official statements from the federal government argue that these troops are meant to assist immigration agents and safeguard federal property.
In Memphis, the deployment stems from a decision made by Trump on September 15, which aligns with Governor Bill Lee’s support for enhancing crime control measures. However, Mayor Paul Young, despite not having initiated the request for deployment, has expressed hopes that the task force will focus on violent offenders rather than intimidate community residents.
In stark contrast, federal judges have blocked Trump's attempts to send National Guard troops to Portland and Chicago, stating that such actions violate state sovereignty principles and federal law. This judicial stance reflects longstanding concerns about the military's role in domestic policing.
In the backdrop of these events, Illinois Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth recently reported being denied entry to an ICE facility, raising further questions about government transparency and oversight.
The troop deployment order in Chicago faced legal interventions when a federal judge cited violations of the 10th and 14th Amendments, emphasizing the unconstitutionality of deploying military forces against civilian populations for political motives. Judge April Perry’s ruling affirms the historical context of aversion to military intervention within states.
In Oregon, a similar situation unfolded when courts intervened to block troop deployments, ensuring that military forces are not operationally engaged against protests in urban areas.
Meanwhile, Memphis authorities have seen law enforcement enhance their operations, leading to multiple arrests as federal agents team up with local law enforcement. This dichotomy between supporting law enforcement and protecting state rights continues to shape the national dialogue on the deployment of National Guard troops.
The legal battles around these deployments are ongoing, with both supporters and opponents of the actions actively making their voices heard in local and national contexts.
