Catholic leaders often remind the faithful that peace and justice in society depend on respect for lawful authority and the dignity of every person. A new conflict between state and federal powers has reignited that conversation as the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration for what they call an “illegal, dangerous, and unconstitutional” deployment of National Guard troops.
According to CNN, the lawsuit—filed Monday in federal court—asks a judge to halt the “federalization of members of the National Guard of the United States, including both the Illinois and Texas National Guard.” The complaint names President Donald Trump, Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth among the defendants.
The legal challenge follows the White House’s announcement that President Trump had authorized “300 members of the Illinois National Guard to Chicago to protect federal officers and assets.” The administration described the move as necessary to safeguard federal property amid continuing protests over immigration enforcement policies.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker condemned the decision, saying it resembled an “invasion” of his state. On Sunday, after learning that 400 additional troops from Texas were also being sent to Illinois and Oregon, Pritzker said the order was politically motivated and violated state sovereignty.
According to CNN, the complaint argues that the deployment reflects a “long history of threatening and derogatory comments” the President has made about Chicago and Illinois, suggesting partisan motives rather than genuine public safety concerns.
Illinois’ case follows a similar lawsuit from Oregon, where a federal judge—appointed under President Trump—temporarily blocked the deployment of Guard troops to Portland, CNN reported. Officials in Oregon and California had likewise objected to what they saw as federal overreach in their jurisdictions.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches that “those subject to authority should regard those in authority as representatives of God” (CCC 2238), while also affirming that governments must exercise power “within the limits of the moral order.” When political decisions threaten to escalate conflict, Catholics are called to pray for both civil leaders and peace among citizens.
The Church’s social teaching urges leaders to seek the common good through cooperation, not coercion. As this legal battle unfolds, Catholics in Illinois and beyond are reminded that peace built on justice and mutual respect reflects the Gospel far more powerfully than force or fear.
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