Federal troops are being deployed to Chicago following an executive order from the President. White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson announced the dispatch of 300 National Guard personnel, stating their mission is to safeguard “federal officials and assets”. The action, according to Jackson, reflects a commitment to addressing perceived lawlessness affecting American cities.
The deployment to Chicago had been anticipated and follows similar and similarly contentious, movements of National Guard forces into cities led by Democratic administrations. The administration has cited concerns regarding unrest targeting Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and a rise in crime as justification for the interventions.
However, the President’s actions have drawn criticism, with some observers accusing him of exaggerating the severity of the situation to advance a more authoritarian governing style.
Elsewhere, a federal judge has temporarily blocked a similar deployment of National Guard troops in Portland, Oregon. Judge Karin J. Immergut ruled that the protests against the administration’s immigration policies do not constitute an “insurrection” and that local law enforcement possesses the capacity to manage the situation. The injunction remains in effect until October 18th.
