Federal Troops Deployed Amid National Guard Controversy

Sat Oct 11 2025 13:42:02 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Conflicting decisions on National Guard deployment spark tensions across U.S. cities, with troops patrolling Memphis while court rulings halt operations in Chicago and Portland.

Amid prevailing tensions over policing and federal intervention, President Trump's attempt to deploy National Guard troops faces judicial obstacles in cities like Chicago and Portland. Nevertheless, troops are now actively patrolling Memphis with state approval. Local responses vary as lawmakers query federal oversight policies and their implications on communities.

Federal judges have blocked President Trump’s plans to deploy the National Guard in Chicago and Portland, citing state sovereignty and legal concerns. Meanwhile, troops are now patrolling in Memphis, Tennessee, with the state's approval as part of efforts to combat crime.

In Memphis, the National Guard members, dressed in military fatigues, were seen patrolling key locations including a Bass Pro Shops store, although the exact number of deployed troops remains unclear. This deployment follows Trump’s announcement on September 15, which received the backing of Tennessee Governor Bill Lee.

Despite these developments, Trump's proposal to send troops to cities such as Baltimore and New Orleans, alongside major California areas including Los Angeles, has seen resistance from local officials. The federal government claims that the troops are assisting immigration agents and securing federal properties.

The deployment strategies have led to heated debates. Chicago and Portland officials have strongly opposed the federal intervention, arguing it infringes on local governance. This sentiment was echoed in recent court decisions where federal judges in both states cited violations of constitutional amendments regarding state rights and protections.

Troops in Memphis

In Memphis, as the task force started its operations on September 29, federal agents reportedly made significant arrests and issued numerous traffic citations. Local Democratic leaders, including Mayor Paul Young, expressed concerns that the task force should target violent offenders rather than instill fear among residents.

Legal Challenges in Illinois

Conversely, Illinois Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth raised alarms after being denied access to an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility in their state, questioning the transparency of the federal operations.

Further legal ramifications followed with a federal judge blocking troop deployments in Chicago, citing violations of the 10th and 14th Amendments. U.S. District Judge April Perry remarked on the historical reservation against military involvement in civilian law enforcement.

Oregon's Response

In Oregon, similar judicial interventions delayed troop deployment, with judges ruling against federal overreach and affirming the state's rights. Current federal activities involving troops in Portland and Chicago are reportedly inactive, pending legal clarifications.

Continued Developments

Despite these challenges, National Guard units from Texas and Illinois began patrolling the ICE facility in Broadview, with heightened scrutiny, including a recent order requiring federal agents to adhere to specific operational protocols to ensure civil liberties are respected.

As this situation unfolds, tensions between federal and state authorities continue to highlight the complexities of public safety measures and governance in the United States.