Trump Action Archive

Supporting reports

• ICE officer shoots pepper ball at CBS News Chicago reporter — In September 2025, an ICE officer allegedly shot a pepper ball at the vehicle of a CBS News Chicago reporter during an enforcement operation. The reporter's window was open, allowing chemical agents to enter the vehicle and cause the reporter to vomit. The incident represents an apparent targeting of press personnel documenting ICE operations.

Supporting reports

• ICE increases weapons spending by 600% in 2025 — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement increased spending on small arms, ordnance, and accessories by more than 600% compared to 2024 levels, according to Federal Procurement Data System records analyzed by Popular Information. From January 20 through October 18, 2025, ICE spent $71,515,762 on guns, armor, chemical weapons, and distraction devices. This represents a dramatic escalation compared to spending during the Biden administration and Trump's first term, when ICE averaged $8.4 million annually on small arms through mid-October.

Supporting reports

• ProPublica reported more than 170 U.S. citizens detained by immigration agents — ProPublica reported that more than 170 U.S. citizens have been detained by immigration agents at raids and protests, some of whom have been dragged, tackled, beaten, tased, shot, had their necks kneeled on, and were held outside in the rain in their underwear. More than 20 of them have said they were held for over a day without being able to contact a lawyer or loved one. At least three were pregnant when they were detained.
• Immigration agents detain over 170 U.S. citizens without due process — According to reporting by Nicole Foy of ProPublica on Thursday, October 16, 2025, more than 170 U.S. citizens have been detained by immigration agents. The detainees have been subjected to violence including dragging, tackling, beating, tasering, and shooting. At least three pregnant women were detained, including one whose home had its door blown off by Department of Homeland Security agents while Secretary Kristi Noem was present. Detainees have been held outside in rain while in underwear and subjected to neck kneeling.

Supporting reports

• Federal ICE agents shot and killed Chicago resident Silverio Villegas González — Federal ICE agents shot and killed Chicago resident Silverio Villegas González during enforcement operations in the city. The administration initially claimed the agents were under attack, but subsequent information indicated the federal agents were the aggressors in the incident.
• Federal ICE agents shot unarmed woman Marimar Martinez in Chicago — Federal ICE agents shot an unarmed woman, Marimar Martinez, during enforcement operations in Chicago. The administration initially claimed agents were under attack, but subsequent information showed the federal agents were the aggressors.

Supporting reports

• Federal ICE agents aimed weapon at resident recording their actions in Chicago — Federal ICE agents aimed a weapon at a Chicago resident who was simply recording the agents' actions during enforcement operations. The administration initially mischaracterized the agents' conduct, but subsequent information indicated the agents were the aggressors.
• Federal ICE agents raided and ransacked an apartment building in Chicago, binding residents outside for hours — Federal ICE agents raided and ransacked an apartment building in Chicago, leaving residents—including U.S. citizens and children—bound outside for hours. The administration characterized the operation as targeting dangerous individuals, but subsequent reporting indicated the agents' conduct was excessive.

Supporting reports

• Chicago Police Chief Thomas Mills testified that federal agents used chemical agents arbitrarily and indiscriminately — Chicago Police Chief Thomas Mills testified that the use of chemical agents by federal agents at the ICE facility in Broadview has often been arbitrary and indiscriminate, deployed even when crowds numbered as few as ten people.

Supporting reports

• Border patrol chief praised federal agent who shot US citizen — Gregory Bovino, border patrol chief leading Trump administration deportation efforts, sent text messages and emails praising federal agent Charles Exum after Exum shot US citizen Marimar Martinez five times in Chicago in October 2025. Martinez, a Montessori school assistant with no criminal record, was initially charged with felony charges that were dismissed after video evidence showed an agent had steered his vehicle into her car. Newly released evidence, including body-camera footage and communications, was made public this week after a federal judge lifted a protective order.
• Federal agents shoot Chicago woman during immigration enforcement operation — On Saturday, October 4, 2025, federal Customs and Border Protection agents shot 30-year-old Marimar Martinez in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood during an immigration enforcement operation under the Trump administration. Martinez was allegedly involved in a vehicle chase that ended with her ramming a CBP vehicle. Her attorney claims body-camera footage shows an officer saying "Do something, bitch" before firing approximately five shots at her. Martinez was hospitalized with gunshot wounds. A judge ordered her release pending trial on Monday after her attorney disputed the government's account.
• Border Patrol agents wound woman in Chicago — On Saturday morning, October 4, Border Patrol agents wounded a woman on Chicago's Southwest Side. The Department of Homeland Security immediately claimed agents had fired "defensive shots" after being "rammed by 10 cars," but no reporter has been able to confirm that account of events.
• Border patrol shoots woman in Chicago — US border patrol agents shot and injured a woman on Chicago's southwest side during an operation where agents reported being rammed by vehicles and boxed in by ten cars. The woman, a US citizen armed with a semi-automatic weapon, was treated and released the same afternoon. DHS stated agents fired "defensively" after a suspect attempted to run them over. The shooting follows an earlier fatal shooting of a Mexican immigrant in a Chicago suburb last month.

Supporting reports

• ICE deploys tear gas, pepper balls, and body slams against protesters and journalists in Broadview, Illinois — ICE agents, alongside Illinois state police and Cook County sheriff's office, deployed tear gas and pepper balls against protesters gathered at an ICE processing facility in Broadview, Illinois on Friday. Videos show agents body-slamming protesters to the ground. Journalists covering the protests were also attacked—a CBS Chicago reporter was hit with a pepper ball from 50 feet away; a Chicago Sun-Times reporter was tear-gassed; and an Unraveled Press reporter was detained. Legal observers were similarly targeted. The facility, not designed as a detention center, holds nearly 5,000 detainees statewide under "Operation Midway Blitz."
• ICE agents deploy tear gas against protesters in multiple U.S. cities — Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents used tear gas and other force against peaceful protesters in Portland, Washington DC, and Chicago during enforcement operations. The article references unspecified brutality by the Administration and an unwarranted raid on a Chicago apartment building, indicating escalating use of force against civilian demonstrators opposing immigration enforcement actions.

Supporting reports

• Border patrol chief praised federal agent who shot US citizen — Gregory Bovino, border patrol chief leading Trump administration deportation efforts, sent text messages and emails praising federal agent Charles Exum after Exum shot US citizen Marimar Martinez five times in Chicago in October 2025. Martinez, a Montessori school assistant with no criminal record, was initially charged with felony charges that were dismissed after video evidence showed an agent had steered his vehicle into her car. Newly released evidence, including body-camera footage and communications, was made public this week after a federal judge lifted a protective order.

Supporting reports

• ICE agents deploy teargas and pepper balls against protesters at Broadview facility — ICE agents at the Broadview immigration processing centre in Chicago deployed teargas canisters and pepper ball irritants against approximately 100 protesters who were blocking government vehicles and demonstrating against detention conditions. Agents also physically removed protesters from the street, including body-slamming at least one person. The escalation occurred as protesters attempted to obtain information about detained family members.

Supporting reports

• Federal agents conducted raid on Chicago apartment complex claiming gang membership — On September 30, federal agents conducted a raid on an apartment complex in Chicago using a helicopter and military-style vehicles, breaking into apartments and removing individuals while claiming they were Tren de Aragua gang members. The agents filmed the individuals for a video the administration circulated portraying them as criminals. Of 37 people arrested, only two were claimed to be gang members; one of those had no criminal record. Federal prosecutors did not file criminal charges against anyone arrested. In immigration court, government lawyers never mentioned criminal charges or gang membership, and judges simply ordered deportations or voluntary departures.
• Federal agents conducted massive late-night raid in Chicago — Federal agents conducted a massive late-night raid on September 30 at a Chicago apartment building that resulted in the arrests of 37 people. The Chicago Sun Times reported that armed federal agents in military fatigues busted down doors, pulling residents, including women and children, some of them naked, from their apartments. After the raid, toys, shoes, and food remained in piles in the building's hallways, and property managers were seen throwing mattresses and broken doors into dumpsters.
• Federal agents raided Chicago apartment building using military tactics and equipment — At approximately 1:00 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1, federal agents from Border Patrol, FBI, and ATF conducted a raid on a five-story apartment building on Chicago's South Shore Drive. Agents used helicopters, large vehicles, flash-bang grenades, and military fatigues to break down doors and detain residents in zip ties, some naked. Approximately 37 people were arrested while others were released after hours of detention. The Department of Homeland Security claimed detainees were involved in drug trafficking, weapons crimes, immigration violations, or were associated with Tren de Aragua, but provided no evidence. Some detainees were U.S. citizens. Residents' apartments were left damaged.
• Federal agents conduct raid in Chicago — On October 1, 2025, federal agents from Border Patrol, FBI, and ATF raided an apartment building in Chicago, using military tactics and equipment. Residents were forcibly removed from their homes, some in zip ties, and left outside for hours. The Department of Homeland Security claimed that some detainees were involved in drug trafficking and immigration violations, but did not provide evidence. Eyewitnesses reported distress among the residents, including children.

Supporting reports

• Mexican man Silverio Villegas-González shot and killed by ICE agent in Illinois traffic stop — Two weeks prior to the Dallas shooting, Mexican national Silverio Villegas-González was shot and killed by an ICE agent following an attempted traffic stop in Illinois. ICE officials stated the shooting occurred after Villegas-González attempted to evade arrest and dragged an agent a "significant distance" in his car. His family has demanded greater transparency regarding the circumstances of his death, raising concerns about accountability and the use of lethal force in immigration enforcement.

Supporting reports

• ICE officer pushes woman to ground at New York immigration court — An ICE officer physically assaulted Monica Moreta-Galarza, a woman pleading for the release of her detained husband from Ecuador, by pushing her across a hallway and onto the floor at 26 Federal Plaza immigration court in Manhattan on September 25, 2025. Video of the incident spread on social media. DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin stated the officer's actions were "unacceptable" and announced he was being "relieved of his duties" pending a full investigation. Democratic officials Dan Goldman and Brad Lander referred the case to US Attorney General Pam Bondi for potential felony prosecution.

Supporting reports

• Trump announces planned executive order to dismantle "domestic terrorism networks" in response to ICE facility shooting — Following the Dallas ICE facility shooting, President Trump posted on social media characterizing the incident as an attack by "Radical Left Terrorists" and blamed "radical left Democrats" for anti-ICE rhetoric. Trump announced he would sign an executive order "this week to dismantle these Domestic Terrorism Networks," referencing ANTIFA, which he stated had already been declared a terrorist organization. Law enforcement officials stated there was no indication the shooter had any connection to any organizations, including antifa.
• ICE facility shooting in Dallas; political responses diverge on cause and victims — A shooting at a US Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas killed one detainee and wounded two others. The shooter died by self-inflicted gunshot. The DHS confirmed detainees were the victims. Trump, Vance, Noem, and Abbott blamed the "radical left" and anti-ICE rhetoric for the attack, while Democrats focused on the victims being detainees, called for gun control, and accused Republicans of politicizing the incident for partisan gain. The FBI recovered shell casings with "anti-ICE messaging" but said the investigation was ongoing and the motive had not been confirmed.
• Shooting at Dallas ICE facility kills one detainee, injures two others; shooter dies by self-inflicted gunshot — A suspect opened fire at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas on the morning of September 24, killing one detainee and injuring two others who were in critical condition. The shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Shell casings recovered at the scene bore anti-ICE messaging. The FBI is investigating the incident as an act of targeted violence. No law enforcement officers were injured.
• Shooting at ICE detention facility in Dallas; suspect killed one detainee and wounded two others — On September 24, 2025, a 29-year-old suspect, Joshua Jahn, opened fire from a rooftop at an ICE detention facility in Dallas, Texas, killing one ICE detainee inside a transportation van and critically wounding two others. Authorities found detailed planning notes at his residence expressing anti-ICE sentiment and intent to maximize lethality against ICE personnel. The suspect used ICE tracking apps to monitor federal agents and legally obtained his firearm in August. He died by suicide at the scene. The FBI characterized the attack as involving "high degree of planning."
• Shooting death of detainee at ICE facility in Dallas; widow speaks out — Miguel García-Hernández, 31, an undocumented immigrant detained by ICE in Dallas on 24 September 2025, was shot and killed when a gunman opened fire outside the ICE field office where he was awaiting intake in a government van. He died on 29 September from his gunshot wounds. His widow, Stephany Gauffeny, reported he was restrained to a hospital bed with handcuffs on his feet as he lay dying. She attributes the shooting to rising political violence and anti-immigration rhetoric under the Trump administration. García-Hernández had been seeking legal status through a Biden-era family reunification program that was blocked by a federal judge.
• Shooting at Dallas ICE facility kills one detainee, wounds two others — A gunman fired at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field office in Dallas on September 24, killing one detainee and critically wounding two others before dying from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Law enforcement recovered shell casings with "anti-ICE messaging" near the shooter, identified as 29-year-old Joshua Jahn. No federal agents were injured. The incident occurred at a facility used for short-term processing of people in custody along Interstate 35 East.
• ICE reports 700% increase in assaults from "activists masquerading as immigrant advocates" — ICE officials claim a 700% increase in assaults from what they characterize as "activists masquerading as immigrant advocates," citing incidents including vehicle ramming (July 2), armed attack on Prairieland detention center (July 4), and shooting at CBP facility in McAllen (July). The FBI offered a $25,000 reward for Benjamin Hanil Song, a former marine reservist, in connection with the Alvarado attack. However, counter-narratives document ICE and CBP agents engaging in rough and sometimes violent tactics against detainees and protesters, including masked agents smashing car windows and detaining US citizens based on appearance.
• Shooting at ICE detention facility in Dallas; detainee killed, two wounded, shooter deceased — An unidentified shooter fired on an ICE detention center near Dallas Love Field airport from a nearby roof on Wednesday, killing one detainee and wounding two others before taking his own life. An "anti-ICE" message was found on a bullet at the scene. FBI Director Kash Patel and Trump administration officials quickly attributed the attack to "radical left terrorists," while the incident occurred amid a documented spike in violence targeting immigration enforcement facilities and reported aggressive ICE tactics against detainees and protesters.
• Trump and NRCC attribute ICE shooting to "radical left terrorists" and Democratic rhetoric — Following the Dallas ICE facility shooting, President Trump and the National Republican Congressional Committee issued statements attributing the attack to "radical left terrorists" and blaming Democratic rhetoric for demonizing ICE agents. NRCC spokesperson Mike Marinella claimed "radical Democrats" have been escalating rhetoric against law enforcement, drawing a parallel to recent violence against rightwing figures despite senior Democrats condemning political violence generally.

Supporting reports

• Trump announced military strike on alleged Venezuelan drug boat — On Truth Social, Trump announced that on his orders, the US military conducted a strike on an alleged drug boat from Venezuela, killing three people whom he called "terrorists." The operation was not authorized by Congress and Trump said it took place in international waters. Trump warned that "IF YOU ARE TRANSPORTING DRUGS THAT CAN KILL AMERICANS, WE ARE HUNTING YOU!"
• Trump announced lethal strike on Venezuelan vessel without public evidence — Trump announced on social media that he ordered a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel affiliated with a designated terrorist organization conducting narcotrafficking in the USSOUTHCOM area. Trump claimed three men, whom he called "narcoterrorists," were killed and said the military showed him proof the men were smuggling drugs, but he has not shared that evidence with lawmakers or the public.

Supporting reports

• Trump administration deploys ICE and threatens National Guard deployment to Chicago citing crime — The Trump administration has ramped up Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations in Chicago and threatened or sent National Guard deployments to the city, citing violent crime as justification. Chicago violence prevention workers and community organizers argue this approach exploits the city's crime narrative to normalize military force on streets and expand surveillance in already over-policed neighborhoods, rather than addressing root causes like poverty and lack of investment.
• Trump announces intention to deploy national guard to Chicago — During remarks at the White House on Monday, Trump stated that his administration would deploy national guard troops to Chicago "probably next" and indicated the deployment would proceed regardless of opposition from Illinois Democratic governor JB Pritzker. Trump also floated St. Louis, New Orleans, and Baltimore as potential future targets for similar deployments, stating "We want to save these places."
• Trump deploys national guard to Memphis; Democratic officials challenge deployment in state court — On September 15, 2025, President Trump signed a memo mobilizing the national guard to Memphis, Tennessee, citing the city's high murder rate. On November 4, 2025, a state chancery court in Nashville heard a legal challenge filed by Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, state representatives Gabby Salinas and GA Hardaway, and other Democratic officials, with ACLU support, arguing the deployment violates state law and lacks proper authorization. The city of Memphis declined to join the lawsuit. Judge Patricia Head Moskal appeared skeptical of the state's defense and indicated she would issue a written ruling after receiving briefs.
• Trump signs executive order deploying national guard to Memphis — Donald Trump signed a presidential memo on Monday establishing a "Memphis Safe Task Force" and authorizing the deployment of national guard troops to Memphis, Tennessee, in coordination with federal law enforcement agencies including the FBI, ATF, DEA, ICE, US Marshals, and DOJ. Tennessee Republican governor Bill Lee welcomed the deployment. Trump stated Chicago would "probably" be next and suggested potential future deployments to St. Louis, New Orleans, and Baltimore, while indicating he would proceed without Illinois governor JB Pritzker's cooperation if necessary.

Supporting reports

• Department of Homeland Security announces plan to intensify immigration enforcement in Los Angeles — Following the Supreme Court ruling, the Department of Homeland Security publicly vowed to "flood the zone in Los Angeles" with immigration enforcement operations. The announcement signals an escalation of raids targeting day laborers and immigrant workers in vulnerable neighborhoods, particularly in areas like Westlake where workers gather seeking employment. The statement emboldened federal agents to conduct more aggressive enforcement despite the economic and social devastation already inflicted on immigrant communities.

Supporting reports

• Supreme Court ruling permits warrantless immigration raids and racial profiling in California — The U.S. Supreme Court issued a ruling that invalidated a July temporary restraining order barring federal agents from racially profiling immigrants in southern and central California. The decision cleared the way for the Department of Homeland Security to conduct warrantless raids targeting people based on skin color, accent, or employment. Following the ruling, DHS announced plans to "flood the zone in Los Angeles" with enforcement operations, intensifying fear in immigrant communities already experiencing economic hardship and deportation risk.

Supporting reports

• Governor Bill Lee sought to redirect National Guard deployment — Governor Bill Lee released a statement saying he was set to speak with Trump about a "strategic mission" to use state law enforcement more effectively with an already established FBI mission in Memphis, apparently attempting to redirect the federal deployment toward state control.
• Memphis Mayor Paul Young disputes Trump's characterization of National Guard deployment — Memphis Mayor Paul Young stated he was informed the Governor and President were considering deploying the National Guard and other resources to Memphis, but clarified that what the city needs most are "financial resources for intervention and prevention, additional patrol officers, and case support," not military troops. Young emphasized Memphis is already making measurable progress in reducing crime through existing law enforcement partnerships.
• White House announces federal deployment to Memphis for crime reduction — The White House issued a release announcing President Trump's plan to deploy federal resources to Memphis, Tennessee, citing the city's violent crime statistics and characterizing the action as part of an "aggressive push to dismantle" crime attributed to "failed Democrat governance." The release cites 2024 crime data showing Memphis had the highest violent crime rate nationally and presents bail reform as a contributing factor, citing specific cases of defendants released without bail.
• Trump announced National Guard deployment to Memphis — Trump announced he was sending the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, despite the Memphis Police Department reporting that "Overall crime is at a 25-year low, with robbery, burglary, and larceny also reaching 25-year lows. Murder is at a six-year low, aggravated assault at a five-year low, and sexual assault at a twenty-year low." Although Trump said he had the support of the mayor and governor, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris asked Republican Governor Bill Lee to "please reconsider," stating that local government would welcome more state troopers but that "to have individuals with military fatigues, semi-automatic weapons and armored vehicles patrolling our streets is way too far, anti-democratic and anti-American."
• Trump announces National Guard deployment to Memphis instead of Chicago — President Trump announced he is deploying the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee instead of Chicago, stating Memphis is "deeply troubled" and that the Democratic mayor and Republican governor are "happy" with the deployment. Trump said he would prefer to go to Chicago but that they "don't want us" and he doesn't want to go into a "hostile area."

Supporting reports

• Trump administration deploys National Guard to Washington DC and calls for prosecuting minors as adults — The Trump administration deployed approximately 2,000 National Guard troops to Washington DC, temporarily taking over the city's police department. Trump called for charging teens as young as 14 as adults for certain crimes, citing a recent assault case. US Attorney Jeanine Pirro stated she would push to prosecute even younger minors. The deployment occurred amid a broader federal crackdown including immigration raids. DC officials and juvenile justice advocates expressed concern that the measure does not address root causes of crime and may increase police violence against young Black residents.
• Trump administration deploys national guard and federal agents to Washington DC streets — The Trump administration deployed national guard troops and federal agents to Washington DC streets, citing crime reduction as justification despite DC crime rates being at 30-year lows. The president took control of the city's police department and threatened similar federal interventions in Chicago and New Orleans. This action prompted the formation of the activist group Free DC and sparked large-scale protests, including a march of thousands to the White House on Saturday.
• Trump Administration Deploys National Guard in Washington DC — The Trump administration deployed national guard troops in Washington DC, prompting protests from residents and activist groups. The deployment is part of a broader federal intervention in the city, which has included taking over the police department and sending federal agents onto city streets. These actions have been met with significant opposition from local groups like Free DC, which argue that such federal interventions threaten the city's autonomy and democracy at large.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon approved Navy base as DHS immigration enforcement hub — The Pentagon approved the use of a Chicago-area Navy base as a hub for the Department of Homeland Security as part of its crackdown on undocumented immigrants. The base could also be used to house National Guard troops or military members if Trump deploys them to the city.
• Pentagon reassigning 600 military lawyers as temporary immigration judges — The Washington Post reported that Hegseth plans to reassign up to 600 military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges after a request for assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. The move has raised concerns, including from one person involved in the planning of their reassignment, who says officers may not have experience or would receive insufficient training for immigration court proceedings, including deportation hearings.

Supporting reports

• DHS launches massive recruitment drive for 10,000 ICE officers and 3,000 CBP agents with lowered standards and condensed training — The Department of Homeland Security, backed by $170 billion in funding, is recruiting 10,000 Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers and 3,000 Customs and Border Protection agents by year-end to meet Trump's goal of 3,000 daily immigration arrests. The DHS has expanded age eligibility from 21–40 to 18+, condensed training from 13 weeks to 8 weeks, reduced Spanish and firearms instruction, and launched recruitment campaigns featuring language critics say echoes white supremacist ideology. Former DHS officials and human rights advocates warn that lowered standards, accelerated hiring, and gutted oversight will increase officer misconduct, abuse, and civil rights violations.

Supporting reports

• California governor files preliminary injunction to block extended national guard deployment — Following Judge Breyer's ruling, California Governor Gavin Newsom filed a preliminary injunction on September 2 seeking to block the Trump administration's extension of national guard troops' deployment in Los Angeles through the November election. Newsom argued there was no justification for continued military presence against communities. Approximately 300 troops remained deployed at the time, down from thousands sent in June.
• Federal judge rules Trump administration illegally deployed national guard in Los Angeles — Judge Charles Breyer of the U.S. District Court ruled that the Trump administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act (1878) by deploying thousands of national guard troops to accompany federal immigration agents on raids in Los Angeles in June 2025. The ruling, effective September 12, barred troops from conducting arrests, searches, crowd control, and other law-enforcement functions. California Governor Gavin Newsom had filed suit in June, arguing the deployment constituted militarization of domestic streets. The Trump administration vowed to appeal.
• Judge Breyer ruled Trump administration's use of military in Los Angeles violated Posse Comitatus Act — Judge Charles Breyer of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California ruled that Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense acted illegally when they deployed the Marines and National Guard in Los Angeles. The judge found that armed soldiers set up protective perimeters, traffic blockages, and engaged in crowd control, directly violating the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the use of U.S. military to execute domestic law. The judge noted that 300 troops remain in Los Angeles and warned that Trump and Hegseth have stated their intention to deploy National Guard troops in other cities, "thus creating a national police force with the President as its chief." Breyer prohibited the defendants from deploying or using military or National Guard troops to execute laws and stayed the order until noon September 12 to allow appeal.
• Federal judge ruled Trump's LA military deployment violated Posse Comitatus Act — A federal judge ruled that Trump's deployment of the military to Los Angeles violated the Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits the army from performing domestic law enforcement actions without authorization from Congress. While the judge noted that it's legal to deploy the officials to protect federal property, he said that Trump is using the military as a "national police force with the President as its chief."
• Judge Blocks Military Deployment for Law Enforcement in Los Angeles — On September 2, 2025, Judge Charles Breyer issued a ruling that prohibited the Trump administration from using military troops for law enforcement in Los Angeles, citing violations of the Posse Comitatus Act. The judge's order prevents the deployment of National Guard troops for domestic law enforcement activities, emphasizing the need to uphold legal boundaries between military and civilian roles.
• Judge Rules Against Trump's Use of Military for Domestic Law Enforcement — On September 2, 2025, Judge Charles Breyer ruled that President Trump, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and the Department of Defense acted illegally by deploying the Marines and National Guard in Los Angeles to enforce domestic law, violating the Posse Comitatus Act. The judge prohibited the use of military troops for law enforcement activities and warned against creating a national police force under presidential control.
• Judge rules Trump violated federal law in Los Angeles national guard deployment — A federal judge ruled on Tuesday that President Trump violated federal law when he deployed thousands of national guard troops to Los Angeles earlier in the summer during protests against ICE operations. The ruling represents a legal challenge to Trump's authority to unilaterally deploy military forces domestically without proper statutory authorization or state consent.
• Federal judge rules Trump's military deployment to Los Angeles unlawful — A federal judge found that Trump illegally deployed thousands of military troops to Los Angeles in June and barred the Pentagon from using National Guard and Marines for police functions such as arrests and crowd control. The order takes effect September 12. The ruling upheld California Governor Gavin Newsom's lawsuit challenging the deployment as a violation of the 1878 Posse Comitatus Act, which prohibits military use in domestic law enforcement.

Supporting reports

• Trump threatens to deploy National Guard to Chicago and Baltimore, claims Chicago is "world's most dangerous city" — Donald Trump announced plans to deploy National Guard units to Chicago and Baltimore to address violent crime, calling Chicago "the most dangerous city in the world" and citing 20 killings over 2.5 weeks and 75 shootings. He also discussed sending troops to New Orleans. The claims are contradicted by FBI crime data showing Chicago ranks 14th among cities over 100,000 residents in homicide rate (17.5 per 100,000), while the four highest-murder-rate cities—Jackson, Birmingham, St. Louis, and Memphis—are all in Republican-led states with rates ranging from 40.6 to 78.7 per 100,000.
• Texas National Guard preparation to deploy to Chicago reported — According to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, the Texas National Guard is preparing to deploy to Chicago. Texas Governor Greg Abbott denied the claim. The deployment threat occurs despite Chicago experiencing declining violent crime, with 2025 showing fewer shootings than any year since the mid-1960s according to crime data expert Jeff Asher. Five major Texas cities—Houston, Corpus Christi, Lubbock, Dallas, and San Antonio—had higher violent crime rates per 100,000 people than Chicago in 2024.
• Trump pledges military deployment to Chicago and Baltimore amid false crime claims — President Trump pledged on Truth Social to deploy the military to Chicago and Baltimore, characterizing both cities as exceptionally dangerous. Trump called Chicago "the worst and most dangerous city in the World, by far" and a "killing field," and described Baltimore as "so far gone," a "hellhole," and a "horrible deathbed." However, FBI data shows Chicago ranked 55th in violent crime among major U.S. cities in 2024 (540 per 100,000), with multiple red-state cities including Memphis, Kansas City, Tulsa, and Louisville recording significantly higher rates. Baltimore is experiencing a historic crime decline, with August 2025 recording the lowest homicide count for that month on record and 91 homicides through September 1—the fewest in over 50 years for that period.
• Trump threatens national guard deployment to Chicago; advance ICE team training underway — President Trump reaffirmed his commitment to deploying federal troops to Chicago to address crime and homelessness, calling the city a "hellhole" and stating deployment would proceed regardless of local leadership consent. An advance team of at least 30 agents is undergoing crowd control and flash grenade training at Naval Station Great Lakes; 230 Customs and Border Protection agents are being transferred from Los Angeles. Chicago would become the second city to receive national guard troops after Washington DC (August) and Los Angeles (June). Local officials and community groups are organizing resistance, including legal preparation and "know your rights" campaigns.

Supporting reports

• Pentagon plans National Guard deployment to Chicago — The Washington Post reported that the Pentagon has spent weeks planning to send thousands of National Guard troops to Chicago as soon as next month, with active-duty troop deployment also discussed but considered less likely. The move represents a significant escalation of federal military presence in domestic law enforcement operations.
• Trump administration plans federal takeover of Chicago for immigration enforcement — The Trump administration is preparing a federally led immigration crackdown targeting Chicago, a Democratic "sanctuary city," including a request for a military base on the city's outskirts to assist operations. Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called on citizens to "stand up" against the plan, stating that deploying troops without coordination with local officials would constitute an invasion. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order directing city police to refuse cooperation with federal immigration enforcement and to protect residents' constitutional rights during the anticipated crackdown.