Introduction to the Conflict
Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker said Monday that Texas National Guard troops should “stay the hell” out of his state after Texas Gov. Greg Abbott approved President Donald Trump’s request to send troops to other states. Pritzker’s comments came less than 24 hours after Abbott said on social media he’d authorized 400 members of the Texas National Guard to be deployed to states outside of Texas.
The Governors’ Statements
“Again, Gov. Abbott should stay the hell out of Illinois’ business,” Pritzker repeated when asked if he had a message for the governor. A spokesman for Abbott offered their own jab at Illinois officials in a statement late Monday. “If the liberal governments in Illinois and Chicago were protecting people and property and upholding law and order we wouldn’t be having this conversation,” said Abbott spokesman Andrew Mahaleris. “Public safety should be the first priority for any elected official. Do your job.”
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Reaction from the Texas Military Department
The Texas Military Department did not respond to an email seeking comment on Pritzker’s message.
Related News
Federal Lawsuit and Deployment
Meanwhile, an Illinois federal judge on Monday declined to immediately stop the anticipated deployment in a federal lawsuit that Illinois filed earlier that day against the Trump administration. In the hearing, an attorney for the Justice Department told the judge that Texas National Guard members were on the way and the administration could still deploy troops. U.S. District Judge April Perry gave the federal government two days to respond to Illinois’ request for a temporary restraining order, Reuters reported.
National Guard Deployments
Monday’s developments added to what has been a dizzying last few days as the Trump administration has sought to send National Guard soldiers to states such as Illinois and Oregon despite opposition from officials in those states. It is also another flashpoint in Trump’s use of National Guard troops across the country. The president deployed the guard to Washington D.C. in August to combat crime in the city.
Other States Involved
Illinois is not the only state where the Texas National Guard might be sent. On Sunday, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said she was informed Texas troops could be deployed to her state in the coming days. Kotek said Sunday she hadn’t received any information from the Trump administration. “It is unclear how many will go to what location and what mission they will carry out,” she said in a statement.
Judicial Rulings
The announcement of the Texas guard possibly going to Oregon came a day after U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, who was appointed by Trump, blocked the administration from temporarily federalizing the state’s guard and sending them to Portland. After the news that the Trump administration tried sending Texas and California National Guard soldiers to Oregon, despite her previous ruling, Immergut issued a broader order Sunday night and prohibited National Guard members from any state or federal agency from being sent to Oregon.
Uncertainty and Deployment
There is still uncertainty regarding the deployment of Texas members. “I fully authorized the President to call up 400 members of the Texas National Guard to ensure safety for federal officials,” Abbott wrote in his Sunday night post on X. “You can either fully enforce protection for federal employees or get out of the way and let Texas Guard do it.” The governor, however, had not posted any new update on the deployment as of 5 p.m. Monday.
Texas National Guard Status
Texas Military Department officials said Monday morning that no Texas National Guard members had received orders to deploy. They referred questions about the deployments to the Governor’s Office.
White House Statement
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Monday the administration is confident in Trump’s authority as commander in chief to call up the National Guard “in cases where he deems it’s appropriate.” An ICE facility in Portland has been “under siege” by “anarchists” disrespecting law enforcement and inciting violence, she said. “The president wants to ensure that our federal buildings and our assets are protected and that’s exactly what he’s trying to do,” she said.
Concerns About Deployment
She was asked if cities where National Guard personnel are being deployed have reason to be concerned those troops will be around for an extended time. She said local officials in cities such as Chicago should be concerned about high rates of violent crime. “Why should they be concerned about the federal government offering help to make their cities a safer place?” Leavitt said.
Conclusion
The situation involving the deployment of Texas National Guard troops to other states, particularly Illinois and Oregon, remains complex and contentious. With legal challenges, gubernatorial disagreements, and concerns over safety and federal authority, the issue continues to unfold. The actions of the Trump administration, the responses from state governments, and the judicial rulings all contribute to a dynamic that is both politically charged and critical to national discussions about security, governance, and the role of the National Guard.
FAQs
Q: Why does Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker not want Texas National Guard troops in his state?
A: Pritzker believes that the deployment of Texas National Guard troops to Illinois is an overreach by the federal government and an interference in state affairs, particularly concerning law enforcement and public safety.
Q: How many Texas National Guard members are potentially being deployed?
A: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott authorized the deployment of 400 members of the Texas National Guard to states outside of Texas.
Q: What is the federal government’s rationale for deploying National Guard troops?
A: The White House argues that the deployment is necessary to protect federal buildings, assets, and employees, particularly in areas where they believe local law enforcement is insufficient or ineffective.
Q: Have there been any judicial rulings on the deployment?
A: Yes, a federal judge in Illinois declined to immediately stop the deployment, while a judge in Oregon prohibited National Guard members from being sent to Oregon, citing concerns over federalization of the state’s guard.
Q: What are the concerns of local officials in cities where troops might be deployed?
A: Local officials, such as those in Chicago, are concerned about the potential for extended deployments and the implications for their cities, including the impact on public perception of safety and the relationship between local law enforcement and federal authorities.
