Biden Judge Gives Trump 48-Hour Ultimatum Over Chicago Troop Deployment

A Biden-appointed federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to justify its deployment of National Guard troops to Chicago within 48 hours, intensifying a legal and political confrontation with Illinois’ Democratic leaders. U.S. District Judge April Perry, appointed in 2022, set a midnight Wednesday deadline for the administration’s response and scheduled a hearing for Thursday afternoon.

For now, Perry did not issue a temporary restraining order, allowing roughly 200 Texas National Guard troops to arrive in Chicago by Wednesday morning to assist local law enforcement in high-crime areas.

Illinois officials, including Attorney General Kwame Raoul, Governor J.B. Pritzker, and Mayor Brandon Johnson, argue the deployment is “an unlawful act of political retaliation” against Democratic-led jurisdictions. Their lawsuit claims federal forces should not occupy cities simply due to political disagreements with the president.

Trump defended the move, citing the need to support federal agents combating gang violence and enforcing immigration laws in Chicago, labeling it a sanctuary city. He referenced the Insurrection Act, asserting he would act if local authorities failed to maintain order.

The deployment has sparked clashes on the ground, with federal agents using pepper balls and tear gas against protesters outside an ICE facility. Illinois officials condemned the response as excessive, while Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem described the city as a “war zone” requiring federal intervention.

Constitutional experts note that Thursday’s hearing could set a significant precedent regarding presidential authority. A ruling limiting Trump could constrain future domestic troop deployments, while approval would affirm broad executive discretion under the Insurrection Act.

Judge Perry’s order stands, giving the administration until Wednesday night to respond. Despite ongoing legal challenges, Trump emphasized his commitment to keeping Chicago safe, insisting the operation is about law enforcement, not politics.