Why is Trump trying to deploy the National Guard to US cities?

October 6, 2025

President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to several Democratic-controlled cities has sparked legal battles across the country. The president justifies these actions as necessary to address violence, crime, and support deportation initiatives, while Democratic governors argue the deployments are unnecessary and potentially inflammatory. Multiple lawsuits have been filed in response, including Illinois seeking to block troops in Chicago and a federal judge temporarily halting deployments to Portland, Oregon.

Who is affected

Residents of cities receiving National Guard deployments (Chicago, Portland, Los Angeles)
State governments and governors opposing the deployments
Protesters demonstrating against immigration raids and detention facilities
Immigrants targeted by deportation initiatives
Local law enforcement agencies working alongside federal forces

What action is being taken

Illinois is filing a lawsuit to block National Guard deployment to Chicago
A federal judge is temporarily blocking the deployment of National Guard members from Texas and California to Portland
Oregon's governor is publicly challenging Trump's characterization of Portland's situation
The Trump administration is preparing to appeal the judicial rulings blocking deployments
Federal officers from Department of Homeland Security and Customs and Border Patrol are engaging with protesters in Portland

Why it matters

The deployments represent a significant test of presidential power versus state authority
The use of military forces for domestic law enforcement raises concerns about the Posse Comitatus Act, which limits federal military involvement in civilian matters
These actions establish precedents for how the rarely-used provision of military law (10 US Code § 12406) can be applied
The deployments directly impact how immigration enforcement and protest response are handled in affected cities
Legal outcomes will determine the extent of presidential authority to federalize state National Guard troops without governor approval

What's next

The Trump administration is expected to appeal the federal judge's rulings blocking National Guard deployments to Portland

Read full article from source: BBC