By Sharon Fountain
Chicago, Oct. 10, 2025 — A federal judge in Chicago has granted a temporary restraining order to halt the Trump administration’s attempt to deploy National Guard troops in Illinois, dealing a legal setback to the administration’s aggressive expansion of federal force in Democratic-led states.
The case stems from a lawsuit filed earlier this week by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, who argued that the deployment represents an overreach of federal power and an unconstitutional attempt to undercut state sovereignty.
In her oral ruling, U.S. District Judge April Perry held that the administration failed to show a credible threat or justification for such an extraordinary step. She ordered that no National Guard units be used in Illinois for at least 14 days, and scheduled a hearing for Oct. 22 to decide whether the order should be extended. Perry said she saw “no credible evidence that there is a danger of rebellion in the state of Illinois,” and labeled the administration’s narrative of unrest as “unreliable.”
Illinois and Chicago officials welcomed the ruling, calling it a defense of constitutional limits on federal power. Meanwhile, the Trump administration has said it will appeal.
In his own statement, Attorney General Raoul said the following:
“Today’s ruling is a victory for the rule of law. The administration has provided no lawful explanation for its deployment of federal troops, and none exists. It’s clear that this attempted occupation within the state of Illinois is driven by political animus and not because federal officials are unable to protect federal property or enforce federal law.
“The president does not have the unfettered discretion to turn America’s military against its own citizens when they exercise their constitutional rights. I am absolutely committed to upholding the Constitution and defending the rule of law, and I will continue to fight back against this unlawful attack on our state’s sovereignty.”
As this legal battle proceeds, key questions remain: Will the administration persuade an appellate court that the deployment was lawful? Can Illinois maintain control over its Guard forces? And how will protests and enforcement dynamics evolve on the ground in Chicago and surrounding areas?
Chicago City Mayor Brandon Johnson released the following statement response to the Temporary Restraining Order granted against President Trump’s National Guard deployment:
“This ruling is a win for the people of Chicago and the rule of law.
“Judge Perry echoed many of the points that we have made repeatedly: Trump’s deployment is illegal, unconstitutional, dangerous, and unnecessary. There is no rebellion in Chicago. There are just good people standing up for what is right.
“The judge established that the Trump administration is unreliable. They lie, misrepresent, and put people in danger.
“We will continue to use all of the tools at our disposal to end the Trump administration’s war on Chicago.”
