News Summary
Legal challenges are mounting against the deployment of National Guard troops in cities like Washington D.C., Chicago, and Portland. Court cases are examining the legality of these military actions, particularly under Democratic leadership. Attorney General Brian Schwalb is seeking to remove troops from D.C., while deployments in Chicago are currently blocked. Concerns also arise over troop involvement in law enforcement and the financial implications of their extended presence. The outcomes of these legal proceedings may shape future military involvement in domestic affairs.
Washington D.C.—Legal challenges have arisen regarding the deployments of National Guard troops across various cities, including Washington D.C., Chicago, and Portland. Court hearings are currently taking place in Washington D.C. and West Virginia, with an additional legal consideration occurring in Portland, Oregon. These proceedings stem from lawsuits aimed at President Trump’s efforts to send military forces into cities governed by Democratic leadership, raising concerns about the legal implications of such actions.
In Washington D.C., Attorney General Brian Schwalb is actively seeking a court order to remove over 2,000 National Guard members who have been stationed in the city. This comes in the wake of Trump’s declaration of a crime emergency in D.C., a claim that is contentious given that the city’s crime rates are currently at a 30-year low. While over 2,300 National Guard troops from eight states were deployed to patrol D.C., along with hundreds of federal agents, government lawyers argue that the president has the authority granted by Congress to control the National Guard’s operations in the city.
As of now, the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago has been blocked, pending resolution from the courts or potential intervention by the Supreme Court. Legal teams involved in the case have indicated that troops may remain in D.C. until at least next summer, with some Republican governors also sending their National Guard units to assist in D.C. Following the emergency declaration period that concluded in September, the presence of over 2,200 troops remains, with states signaling plans to withdraw these units by November 30 unless deployments are extended.
The legal landscape surrounding these deployments also includes a lawsuit from a civic group in West Virginia that claims Governor Patrick Morrisey exceeded his authority by deploying National Guard members outside the confines of state law. Conversely, Morrisey maintains that state law permits him to deploy the National Guard under federal directives.
In Portland, Judge Karin Immergut has issued temporary restraining orders against troop deployments, an action that the Justice Department has argued should be lifted. Meanwhile, in Memphis, Tennessee, local Democratic officials have filed motions to halt National Guard deployments, citing violations of the state constitution. Concerns have also been raised in D.C. regarding allegations that National Guard troops have taken on law enforcement roles, which Attorney General Schwalb contends violates established legal standards.
Criticism of the extended military presence in D.C. has come from Mayor Muriel Bowser and other local officials, who argue that the sustained presence of National Guard troops undermines the city’s authority. In related developments, a recently updated court filing indicates that D.C. is angling for a “long-term persistent presence” of National Guard troops, a strategy that may extend as far as 2026.
Reports suggest that deployed troops have engaged in law enforcement activities, raising red flags about the adequacy of their training for such roles. This raises critical questions not only about the legality and appropriateness of the National Guard’s involvement in civilian law enforcement but also about the financial implications of prolonged troop deployments, which could exceed $500 million.
Overall, as legal battles unfold regarding the deployment of National Guard troops in cities like Washington D.C., Chicago, and Portland, the implications for local governance, law enforcement protocols, and financial resources continue to be a matter of significant concern. The outcomes of these cases could set important precedents for the future of military engagement in domestic civilian contexts.
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Additional Resources
- ABC News: National Guard Stay in Washington D.C.
- Wikipedia: National Guard (United States)
- Axios: National Guard Deployment Lawsuit
- Google Search: National Guard Deployment 2023
- WUSA9: National Guard Stay in D.C. Indefinitely
- Encyclopedia Britannica: National Guard
- Courthouse News: Protester Sues Over National Guard Arrest
- Google News: National Guard Court Cases
Author: STAFF HERE WASHINGTON DC
The WASHINGTON DC STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREWashingtonDC.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Washington, DC, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and regional news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the National Cherry Blossom Festival, Kennedy Center Honors, and the Washington Auto Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Washington Board of Trade and Destination DC, plus leading businesses in government contracting and technology that power the local economy such as Lockheed Martin and Amazon. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into the dynamic landscape of the Washington metropolitan area.
