The Trump administration has branded Chicago a “war zone,” justifying the deployment of 300 National Guard soldiers despite strong opposition from local leaders. President Trump’s move has ignited a fierce political battle with Democrats, who accuse him of abusing military power for political gain.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago’s mayor rejected the deployment, warning it would worsen tensions. “They want to create the war zone so they can send in more troops,” Pritzker said. A CBS poll shows 58% of Americans oppose sending the National Guard into cities.
In Portland, Oregon, Trump faced a legal setback. A federal judge blocked the White House from sending troops, ruling that the president’s claims of an organized insurrection were “untethered to the facts.” The judge stressed that the United States follows constitutional law, not martial law.
Meanwhile, protests erupted after ICE operations expanded nationwide, particularly in Democrat-led cities. In Chicago, violence escalated when a federal officer shot a motorist who allegedly rammed a DHS vehicle. ICE also confirmed the shooting death of 38-year-old immigrant Silverio Villegas Gonzalez during a traffic stop last month.
Critics, including California Governor Gavin Newsom, say Trump is using the military as political pawns to boost his campaign.
